Bill Gates is an American businessman, investor, philanthropist & writer
best known for co-founding the software giant Microsoft
During his career at Microsoft, Gates held the positions of chairman, chief executive officer (CEO), president, and chief software architect
while also being its largest individual shareholder until May 2014
He was a major entrepreneur of the microcomputer revolution of the 1970s and 1980s
In 1975, he and Allen founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico
It later became the world's largest personal computer software company
During the late 1990s, he was criticized for his business tactics, which were considered anti-competitive
He stepped down as chairman of the Microsoft board in February 2014 and assumed the role of technology adviser to support newly appointed CEO Satya Nadella
In March 2020, Gates left his board positions at Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway to focus on his philanthropic efforts on climate change, global health and development, and education
Since 1987, Gates has been included in the Forbes list of the world's billionaires
From 1995 to 2017, he held the Forbes title of the richest person in the world every year except in 2008 and from 2010 to 2013
In October 2017, he was surpassed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who had an estimated net worth of US$90.6 billion compared to Gates's net worth of US$89.9 billion at the time
In the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans in 2023, he was ranked 6th with a wealth of $115.0 billion