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July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Money & Work • Entrepreneurship

Bill Gates

Bill Gates is an American businessman, software developer, investor, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of Microsoft.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Bill Gates is the American co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world's most prominent philanthropists. He now focuses on global health, climate change, and technology investments through the Gates Foundation and his private ventures.

What it is: The man behind Microsoft

Born in Seattle in 1955, Gates developed an early passion for computers. He left Harvard in 1975 to co-found Microsoft with Paul Allen, building it into a dominant software company. He served as CEO until 2000 and stepped away from daily management in 2008.

Why it matters: Philanthropy and global influence

Since 2008, Gates has shifted his focus to philanthropy through the Gates Foundation, addressing health, poverty, and development worldwide. He also invests in climate solutions via Breakthrough Energy and Gates Ventures, influencing Canadian policy and research communities.

Key details: Personal life and current work

Gates was married to Melinda French Gates from 1994 to 2021; they have three children. He remains chair of the Gates Foundation and is active in climate and technology initiatives, with a net worth estimated around $100 billion.

In short

  • Co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen.
  • Shifted to philanthropy and climate work after 2008.
  • Divorced Melinda French Gates in 2021.
  • Net worth roughly $100 billion, subject to market changes.
Canadian angle

Bill Gates is relevant to Canadian readers through the global influence of Microsoft, the Gates Foundation’s international health and development work, and climate-focused investment and philanthropy that affect Canadian policy and research communities.

Quick questions

Who is Bill Gates?
Bill Gates is an American businessman, investor, philanthropist, and software developer best known as the co-founder of Microsoft.
What is Bill Gates doing now?
He is focused mainly on philanthropy and related initiatives through the Gates Foundation, Gates Ventures, and Breakthrough Energy.
Is Bill Gates married?
No. He was married to Melinda French Gates from 1994 to 2021, but they divorced in 2021.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Gates
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, Microsoft co-founding, and later business activities.
  2. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/business-leaders/bill-gates
    Supports: Microsoft co-founding, CEO role ending in 2000, and divorce from Melinda French Gates.
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Bill-Gates
    Supports: Birth date, Microsoft co-founding, and career overview.
  4. Gates Foundation — https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/leadership/bill-gates
    Supports: Current role as chair, foundation work, and Gates Ventures/Breakthrough Energy activities.
  5. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/us/bill-gates-fast-facts
    Supports: Recent philanthropic plans and approximate wealth context.