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Paul Allen

Paul Gardner Allen was an American entrepreneur, investor, programmer, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of Microsoft with Bill Gates.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Paul Gardner Allen was an American entrepreneur, investor, programmer, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of Microsoft with Bill Gates. After leaving Microsoft in the 1980s, he founded and backed companies and institutions in technology, space, science, sports, and the arts. He died in 2018 at age 65.

Early life and education

Paul Allen was born in Seattle in 1953 and developed an early interest in computers and programming. He met Bill Gates as a student at Lakeside School.

Microsoft

Allen and Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975, helping launch the personal-computing software industry. Allen later left active involvement in the company but remained closely associated with its history.

Business and philanthropy

After Microsoft, Allen founded and financed ventures through Vulcan and other entities, including Stratolaunch Systems and research institutes in brain science, artificial intelligence, and cell science. He also gave extensively to scientific, educational, and cultural causes.

Sports and media interests

Allen owned or invested in major sports and media properties, including the Seattle Seahawks and the Portland Trail Blazers. His business interests extended into film, television, and other entertainment projects.

Key facts

  • Co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with Bill Gates.
  • Left day-to-day involvement at Microsoft in the 1980s after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease.
  • Founded and supported multiple science and research organizations, including the Allen Institutes.
  • Invested in media, sports, technology, and space-related ventures.
  • Was among the wealthiest people in the United States at the time of his death.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Paul Allen?
Paul Allen was an American businessman, programmer, investor, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of Microsoft.
What did Paul Allen co-found?
He co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975.
When was Paul Allen born and when did he die?
He was born on January 21, 1953, and died on October 15, 2018.
What were Paul Allen's major interests after Microsoft?
He focused on philanthropy and investments in science, technology, space, sports, and the arts.
Did Paul Allen found any research institutes?
Yes. He founded institutions including the Allen Institute for Brain Science, the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Allen Institute for Cell Science.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Allen
    Supports: Birth and death dates, Microsoft co-founding, and later ventures including the Allen Institutes and Stratolaunch.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/money/Paul-Allen
    Supports: Identity, birth/death details, Microsoft co-founding, and broad biographical overview.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/business-leaders/paul-allen
    Supports: Early life, meeting Bill Gates, Microsoft founding, and health-related departure from Microsoft.
  4. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2014/11/26/us/paul-allen-fast-facts
    Supports: Birth/death dates, birthplace, education, philanthropy, and ownership of the yacht Octopus.
  5. HistoryLink — https://www.historylink.org/file/10335
    Supports: Microsoft role, wealth ranking, and philanthropic focus in the Pacific Northwest.