Few names in technology and philanthropy carry as much weight as Bill Gates. As the co-founder of Microsoft, he helped shape the digital age, but his influence didn’t stop when he stepped away from the company’s day-to-day operations in 2014. Over the years, Gates has become just as well known for his investment strategy and philanthropic work as for his role in building one of the world’s most powerful tech companies.

This article takes a closer look at the key facts about Bill Gates – *from his early life and business achievements to his personal life, net worth, and social impact. For those interested in his financial footprint, we’ll also explore how he manages his wealth today, the companies he backs through Cascade Investment, and how everyday investors can gain exposure to some of the same holdings.

Bill Gate’s Family
Parents
Bill Gates was born into a well-educated and influential family in Seattle, Washington. His father, William H. Gates Sr., was a prominent attorney and served on several corporate and civic boards. He was known for encouraging public service and discipline, values that clearly shaped Bill’s later work ethic and philanthropy. Gates Sr. passed away in 2020 at the age of 94.

His mother, Mary Maxwell Gates, was a schoolteacher and later served on the boards of major organizations, including First Interstate BancSystem and the United Way (a community activism network). She was also the first woman to chair the board of Trustees of United Way of America. Crucially, it was Mary’s position on the board of IBM that led to a meeting between Microsoft and the tech giant, which was a turning point in the company’s early success. Mary Gates passed away in 1994.

Spouse & Children
Bill Gates married Melinda French in 1994 after meeting at Microsoft, where she worked as a product manager. The couple became well-known for their shared philanthropic work through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which they co-founded in 2000.

After leaving Microsoft to focus on family and philanthropic work, Melinda became a driving force behind the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation which the couple co-founded in 2000, shaping many of its strategies in global health, education, and gender equity. In 2015, she launched Pivotal Ventures, an independent investment and incubation company focused on advancing women’s power and influence in the United States.

After 27 years of marriage, Bill and Melinda divorced in 2021. They continued to co-chair the foundation until June 2024, when Melinda stepped down with a $12.5 billion commitment from the foundation to continue her own philanthropic initiatives.