The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Business & Money›Entrepreneurship›Bill Gates
Business & Money • Entrepreneurship

Bill Gates

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

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bill Gates is an American businessman, software developer, investor, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of Microsoft. He became one of the world’s richest people through Microsoft and later shifted much of his focus to philanthropy and climate-related investment work.

Early life and education

Bill Gates was born in Seattle in 1955 and developed an early interest in computers and programming. He attended Harvard University before leaving to build Microsoft with Paul Allen.

Microsoft career

Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. He played a major role in the personal computer and software industries. He served as CEO until 2000 and later shifted away from daily management. He stepped away from day-to-day Microsoft leadership in 2008 and later left board roles.

Philanthropy and later work

Gates has focused heavily on philanthropy through the Gates Foundation since 2008. He is also active in climate and technology initiatives through Gates Ventures and Breakthrough Energy.

Personal life

Gates was married to Melinda French Gates from 1994 until their divorce in 2021. He has three children.

Key facts

  • Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen.
  • He played a major role in the personal computer and software industries.
  • He stepped away from day-to-day Microsoft leadership in 2008 and later left board roles.
  • He is the chair of the Gates Foundation and works through Gates Ventures on climate, health, and technology issues.
  • He and Melinda French Gates divorced in 2021 after 27 years of marriage.
🍁
Canadian context

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.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Bill Gates?
Bill Gates is an American businessman, investor, philanthropist, and software developer best known as the co-founder of Microsoft.
How old is Bill Gates?
He was born on October 28, 1955, which makes him 70 years old as of July 2026.
What is Bill Gates' net worth?
Recent sources place his net worth in the roughly $100 billion range, but the exact figure changes with market conditions and is not fixed.
What did Bill Gates invent?
He did not invent a single product on his own; he co-founded Microsoft and helped develop and commercialize software such as MS-DOS and later Windows-related business strategies.
Is Bill Gates married?
No. He was married to Melinda French Gates from 1994 to 2021, but they divorced in 2021.
What is Bill Gates doing now?
He is focused mainly on philanthropy and related initiatives through the Gates Foundation, Gates Ventures, and Breakthrough Energy.

References

  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.