Top 7

Bill Gates

Cochair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

$130.7B

Bill Gates, the renowned American computer programmer and entrepreneur, left an indelible mark on the technology industry as the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation. Born in Seattle, Washington, Gates demonstrated his passion for computing from a young age and dropped out of Harvard University to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions alongside Paul Allen in 1975.

Under Gates' leadership, Microsoft became the world's largest personal-computer software company, revolutionizing the way people interacted with technology. Despite stepping down from the Microsoft board in March 2020, Gates retained a significant ownership stake of about 1.3% in the company.

Beyond Microsoft, Gates diversified his investments into various holdings, including Republic Services and Deere & Co. In May 2021, Gates and his wife Melinda announced their decision to end their marriage after 27 years, though they continue to co-chair the charitable Gates Foundation.

A committed philanthropist, Gates has donated over $59 billion to the Gates Foundation, primarily in the form of Microsoft stock. His contributions, combined with ongoing support from Warren Buffett, have propelled the foundation's mission to address global health, development, and education challenges. Through his pioneering work in technology and philanthropy, Gates remains a leading figure in shaping the future of innovation and social impact.