History of Bill Gates in Timeline
Bill Gates, born William Henry Gates III, is an iconic American figure renowned for co-founding Microsoft with Paul Allen. His leadership as chairman, CEO, president, and chief software architect, along with being its biggest shareholder for decades, solidified his place in technological history. Gates spearheaded the personal computer revolution from the 1970s through the 1980s, leaving an indelible mark on modern computing.
1925: Birth of William H. Gates Sr.
Bill Gates's father, William H. Gates Sr., was born in 1925.
1929: Birth of Mary Maxwell Gates
Bill Gates's mother, Mary Maxwell Gates, was born in 1929.
October 28, 1955: Birth of Bill Gates
William Henry Gates III was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington.
1970: Closure of CCC and Loss of a Friend
In 1970, the company that Gates and his friends collaborated with, CCC, went out of business. The same year, Gates experienced the loss of his friend, Paul Evans, in a mountain climbing accident.
1972: Bill Gates Serves as a Congressional Page
Bill Gates served as a congressional page in the House of Representatives in 1972.
1973: Bill Gates Graduates High School and Enrolls at Harvard
In 1973, Bill Gates graduated from Lakeside School and enrolled at Harvard College.
1974: Bill Gates Joins Paul Allen at Honeywell
Bill Gates joined Paul Allen at Honeywell during the summer of 1974.
January 1975: Development of BASIC Interpreter for Altair 8800
In January 1975, sparked by the release of the Altair 8800, Bill Gates and Paul Allen saw an opportunity. They proposed the idea of a BASIC interpreter for the platform to MITS and began developing it.
November 1975: Bill Gates Takes a Leave of Absence from Harvard to work with MITS
Following a successful demonstration of their BASIC interpreter, Bill Gates took a leave of absence from Harvard to work alongside Paul Allen at MITS in November 1975.
1975: Bill Gates Drops Out of Harvard to Start Microsoft
Bill Gates made the significant decision to drop out of Harvard University in 1975 to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions with Microsoft.
1975: Founding of Microsoft
Bill Gates, along with Paul Allen, founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1975.
1975: Begins Leading Microsoft's Product Strategy
From Microsoft's inception in 1975, Bill Gates played a pivotal role in shaping the company's product strategy.
February 1976: Bill Gates Addresses Software Piracy
In February 1976, Bill Gates penned 'An Open Letter to Hobbyists,' addressing the issue of software piracy and advocating for the rights of software developers.
November 26, 1976: Microsoft is Officially Registered
On November 26, 1976, Bill Gates and Paul Allen officially registered the trade name "Microsoft" in New Mexico.
1977: Steven A. Ballmer Graduates from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Steven A. Ballmer, future president of Microsoft, graduates from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences in 1977.
January 1, 1979: Microsoft Moves to Bellevue, Washington
On January 1, 1979, Microsoft relocated its operations from Albuquerque to Bellevue, Washington.
July 1980: IBM Partnership and the Rise of MS-DOS
In July 1980, a pivotal moment occurred for Microsoft when IBM approached them for software for their upcoming IBM PC. While initially focused on BASIC, the discussions led to Microsoft providing the operating system, 86-DOS, later known as PC-DOS. This event marked a significant turning point for Microsoft and the personal computer industry.
June 25, 1981: Microsoft's Restructuring and Gates as President
On June 25, 1981, Microsoft underwent a restructuring, solidifying Bill Gates's position as president and chairman of the board. This move reflected the company's growth and Gates's increasing leadership role.
1981: Reputation for Being Distant
By 1981, Bill Gates had developed a reputation for being difficult to reach and unresponsive, as noted by industry peers.
1981: Early Years at Microsoft and Game Development
In 1981, Bill Gates was actively involved in writing code for Microsoft, notably for the game DONKEY.BAS, included with early PC DOS systems. This game, a driving game where players avoid donkeys, reflects Gates's early hands-on approach to software development.
1983: Paul Allen Leaves Microsoft
In 1983, Paul Allen left Microsoft due to health issues, marking the end of their formal business partnership. This departure followed growing tensions and disagreements between Gates and Allen regarding company equity and direction.
November 20, 1985: Launch of Microsoft Windows
On November 20, 1985, Microsoft took a significant step in the evolution of personal computing with the launch of its first retail version of Microsoft Windows. This marked the company's entry into the graphical user interface (GUI) market, aiming to compete with Apple's increasingly popular Macintosh.
1985: Gates's Continued Interest in Software Development
Despite his growing management responsibilities, Bill Gates maintained a keen interest in software development in 1985. The release of Microsoft Excel, a project Gates personally admired for its technical ingenuity, exemplified his enduring passion for creating impactful software.
August 1986: Microsoft and IBM Partner on OS/2
In August 1986, Microsoft and IBM embarked on a collaborative project to develop a new operating system called OS/2. This partnership, while initially promising, faced challenges due to differing visions and priorities, eventually leading to its decline.
1987: Meeting Melinda French
Bill Gates met Melinda French in 1987, marking the beginning of their relationship.
1987: First Listed as a Billionaire
In 1987, Bill Gates was featured in Forbes magazine's first-ever America's richest issue, becoming the world's youngest self-made billionaire.
1989: Gates's Transition to Management and Executive Roles
By 1989, Bill Gates had transitioned from a hands-on software developer to primarily focusing on management and executive roles within Microsoft. Though he stepped back from day-to-day coding, his passion for technology and innovative software remained evident.
1989: Founds Corbis
Bill Gates established Corbis, a digital imaging company, in 1989.
1993: Top of Forbes 400
Bill Gates secured the top spot on the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans in 1993.
January 1, 1994: Marriage to Melinda French
On January 1, 1994, Bill Gates married Melinda French on the Hawaiian Island of Lānaʻi. They had met in 1987 when Melinda started working at Microsoft.
1994: Bill Gates Acquires Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Leicester
In 1994, Bill Gates made a notable purchase at an auction, acquiring Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Leicester, a collection of scientific writings, for US$30.8 million, demonstrating his interest in art and history.
1994: Creation of the William H. Gates Foundation
In 1994, Bill Gates donated some of his Microsoft stock to create the 'William H. Gates Foundation'. This marked the beginning of his major philanthropic efforts.
1994: Death of Mary Maxwell Gates
Bill Gates's mother, Mary Maxwell Gates, passed away in 1994.
1995: Ranked Richest Person
Bill Gates held the title of the world's richest person in 1995.
January 1996: Gates Computer Science Building Opens at Stanford University
The Gates Computer Science Building, funded in part by a $6 million donation from Bill Gates, was completed in January 1996, at Stanford University. The building houses the Computer Science Department and the Computer Systems Laboratory (CSL) within Stanford's Engineering department.
1996: Ranked Richest Person
Bill Gates maintained his ranking as the world's richest person in 1996.
1997: Bill Gates Purchases a Private Jet
Despite his wealth, Bill Gates consistently opted for commercial flights in economy class until 1997 when he acquired a private jet.
1998: Ranked Richest Person
Bill Gates reclaimed his position as the world's richest person in 1998.
1998: Antitrust Litigation and Deposition Testimony
During the 1998 United States v. Microsoft case, Bill Gates's deposition testimony was scrutinized and characterized as evasive by some journalists.
1998: Bill Gates Purchases Winslow Homer's "Lost on the Grand Banks"
In 1998, Bill Gates acquired Winslow Homer's renowned 1885 maritime painting, "Lost on the Grand Banks," for $30 million. This purchase set a record at the time for the highest price paid for an American painting.
1998: Gates testifies against software regulation
In 1998, Bill Gates testified before the United States Senate, rejecting the need for regulation of the software industry. His testimony came during the Federal Trade Commission's investigation of Microsoft's growing monopoly power.
1999: First Person to Reach US$100 Billion Net Worth
Bill Gates made history in 1999 when his net worth exceeded US$100 billion, becoming the first person ever to achieve this milestone.
1999: Bill Gates Makes Personal Donation to MIT
In 1999, Bill Gates made a significant personal donation of $20 million to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This contribution funded the construction of the "William H. Gates Building," a state-of-the-art computer laboratory designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry.
January 2000: Bill Gates Steps Down as CEO of Microsoft
Bill Gates stepped down as CEO of Microsoft in January 2000, passing the baton to Steve Ballmer.
2000: Formation of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
In 2000, Bill Gates and his wife Melinda combined three family foundations and donated $5 billion in stock to establish the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It became the world's largest charitable foundation, with assets valued at over $34.6 billion by 2013.
2000: Steve Ballmer Becomes CEO of Microsoft
Steve Ballmer took over as Microsoft's CEO in 2000, succeeding Bill Gates.
2000: Decline in Net Worth
Following the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, the value of Bill Gates's Microsoft holdings decreased, along with his philanthropic donations.
2000: Shift in Public Image with Foundation Launch
Bill Gates's public image began to shift in 2000 with the establishment of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as he increased his focus on philanthropy.
2004: Joins Berkshire Hathaway Board
Bill Gates joined the board of directors of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett's investment company, in 2004.
2005: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Focuses on Global Sanitation
Beginning in 2005, Bill Gates and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation turned their attention to addressing global sanitation issues.
May 2006: Expresses Discomfort with Wealth
In May 2006, Bill Gates admitted to feeling uncomfortable being the world's richest person due to the attention it brought.
June 15, 2006: Gates Announces Transition from Microsoft
On June 15, 2006, Bill Gates publicly announced his intention to gradually step away from his daily responsibilities at Microsoft. This decision marked a significant shift in his career, as he planned to devote more time and resources to philanthropy, particularly through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
2006: Microsoft Salary and Bonus
In 2006, Bill Gates received a salary of US$616,667 and a bonus of US$350,000 from Microsoft, totaling US$966,667.
2006: Steps Down from Product Strategy Role
In 2006, Bill Gates transitioned away from his primary responsibility for Microsoft's product strategy.
2007: Criticism of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Investments
In 2007, the Los Angeles Times criticized the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for investing its assets in companies accused of worsening poverty and pollution, and pharmaceutical companies that do not sell to developing countries. Though the foundation initially considered reviewing its investment strategy for social responsibility, it ultimately decided against it, prioritizing maximum returns while using its voting rights to influence company practices.
2007: Ranked Richest Person
Bill Gates continued his reign as the world's richest person in 2007.
June 2008: Bill Gates Transitions to Part-Time at Microsoft
Bill Gates transitioned to a part-time role at Microsoft in June 2008 to dedicate more time to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
June 27, 2008: Gates Transitions Leadership at Microsoft
June 27, 2008, marked the completion of a two-year transition process where Bill Gates formally handed over his leadership roles at Microsoft to Ray Ozzie and Craig Mundie. This transition allowed Gates to focus on his philanthropic work and other ventures outside of the company he co-founded.
2008: Bill Gates Shifts Focus to Philanthropy
After stepping down from day-to-day operations at Microsoft in 2008, Bill Gates began to dedicate more time to his philanthropic endeavors.
2009: Wealth at US$40 Billion
At the beginning of 2009, Bill Gates's wealth was valued at US$40 billion.
2009: Donation to Carnegie Mellon University
In 2009, Bill Gates donated $20 million through his foundation to Carnegie Mellon University for the Gates Center for Computer Science.
2009: Ranked Richest Person and on Forbes 400
In 2009, Bill Gates was once again ranked as the richest person globally and topped the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans.
2009: Property Taxes on Medina Mansion
In 2009, property taxes on Bill Gates's Medina, Washington mansion were reported to be US$1.063 million.
March 2010: Briefly Second Wealthiest
Bill Gates briefly held the position of the world's second-wealthiest person in March 2010, after Carlos Slim.
December 9, 2010: Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett Sign "Giving Pledge"
Inspired by the Salwen family's philanthropic act of donating half their home's value, Bill and Melinda Gates, along with investor Warren Buffett, signed the "Giving Pledge" on December 9, 2010. This commitment pledged to donate at least half their wealth to charity over time. However, the Foundation's support for Common Core has drawn criticism, with some alleging "cronyism" due to potential profits from related contracts.
2010: Founding of The Giving Pledge
Bill Gates, alongside Warren Buffett, founded The Giving Pledge in 2010, encouraging billionaires to pledge a majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes.
2011: Gates advocates for clean energy innovation
In 2011, Bill Gates emphasized the importance of making clean, reliable energy cheaper by investing in research and development. He highlighted the potential economic and environmental benefits of breakthrough innovations in sustainable energy technology, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and poverty.
2011: Gates's Association with Epstein Begins
Bill Gates's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein started in 2011, a few years after Epstein's conviction for sex trafficking. Gates found Epstein's lifestyle "intriguing" but admitted it wouldn't "work for me."
March 2013: Meeting with Nobel Committee Chair and Epstein
Bill Gates, along with Jeffrey Epstein, met with Thorbjørn Jagland, the Nobel Committee chair, in March 2013 in Strasbourg, France. The meeting, also attended by International Peace Institute representatives, fueled speculation about potential Nobel Prize considerations.
October 2013: International Peace Institute Receives Grant from Gates Foundation
In October 2013, the International Peace Institute, which had representatives present at the March 2013 meeting with Gates and Epstein, received a $2.5 million "community engagement" grant from the Gates Foundation. This grant raised questions about a potential link between the meeting and the funding.
2013: Gates Visits Epstein's Home with Wife
Despite his wife's discomfort, Bill Gates visited Jeffrey Epstein's house with her in the fall of 2013. This visit raised further questions about the extent of their association.
2013: Gates Foundation recognized as largest charitable foundation
In 2013, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was identified as the world's largest charitable foundation, with assets valued over $34.6 billion.
2013: Regains Top Spot from Slim
Bill Gates regained his position as the world's richest person in 2013, surpassing Carlos Slim.
February 4, 2014: Gates Steps Down as Microsoft Chairman
On February 4, 2014, Bill Gates transitioned from his role as chairman of Microsoft to take on the position of technology advisor. This change allowed him to support newly appointed CEO Satya Nadella while further distancing himself from day-to-day operations and focusing on broader technological advancements and his philanthropic efforts.
February 5, 2014: Gates Steps Down as Microsoft Chairman
On February 5, 2014, Bill Gates transitioned from his role as chairman of Microsoft, passing the baton to John W. Thompson. This move signified a further step back from the company he co-founded, allowing him to focus on his philanthropic endeavors and other interests.
February 2014: Bill Gates Steps Down as Chairman of Microsoft
In February 2014, Bill Gates stepped down as chairman of the Microsoft board to take on the role of technology advisor.
March 27, 2014: Gates Shares Perspectives on Global Issues
In a wide-ranging interview published in Rolling Stone magazine on March 27, 2014, Bill Gates shared his thoughts on pressing global issues, including climate change, philanthropy, technology, and the state of America. He expressed concern about potential future threats like pandemics and bioterrorism while highlighting innovation as a crucial driver of progress.
May 2014: Bill Gates Steps Down as Microsoft's Largest Individual Shareholder
In May 2014, Bill Gates transitioned away from his role as the largest individual shareholder in Microsoft.
June 2014: Briefly Second Wealthiest Again
Carlos Slim again surpassed Bill Gates in wealth in June 2014, putting Gates back in the second-place position.
2014: Bill Gates Raises Awareness for Sanitation by Drinking Reclaimed Water
In 2014, Bill Gates made headlines by drinking water processed from human waste using the Omni Processor, a sewage sludge treatment system. This bold act aimed to raise awareness about the importance of sanitation solutions and their potential.
2014: Gates Discusses Faith and Science
In a 2014 Rolling Stone interview, Bill Gates shared his perspective on religion and science, emphasizing the importance of moral systems and the role of belief.
2014: Steve Ballmer Resigns as Microsoft CEO
After serving as Microsoft's CEO for 14 years, Steve Ballmer resigned in 2014.
2014: Regained Top Spot on Forbes 400
After briefly losing it, Bill Gates regained the top position on the Forbes 400 list in 2014.
March 2015: Gates Recommends "Superintelligence" and Warns About Pandemics
During a TED conference in March 2015, Bill Gates discussed the potential dangers and strategies related to artificial intelligence, recommending Nick Bostrom's book "Superintelligence." He also issued a warning about the world's lack of preparedness for pandemics, a topic that would gain significant relevance in the following years.
2015: Gates discusses energy transition
In 2015, Bill Gates wrote about the global challenge of transitioning from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources. He believed this transition could be accelerated with increased government funding and private-sector investment in innovations such as nuclear energy and grid energy storage.
2015: Gates launches clean energy initiatives at UN Climate Change Conference
In 2015, Bill Gates announced two major initiatives at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris. Mission Innovation involved 20 national governments pledging to double their spending on research and development for carbon-free energy. Breakthrough Energy saw investors funding high-risk startups in clean energy technologies, with Gates committing an additional $1 billion.
2015: Bill Gates Discusses Sanitation and Water Innovations on The Tonight Show
Furthering his sanitation advocacy, Bill Gates appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in early 2015. During the show, he participated in a blind taste test, challenging Fallon to differentiate between reclaimed water and bottled water, sparking conversation around water purification advancements.
January 31, 2016: Appearance on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs
On January 31, 2016, Bill Gates appeared on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. During the show, he discussed various aspects of his life, including his relationships with his father and Steve Jobs, meeting his wife Melinda, the early days of Microsoft, and personal habits like reading The Economist.
2016: Bill Gates Reveals He is Color-Blind
In 2016, Bill Gates publicly shared that he is color-blind, providing insight into a personal aspect of his life.
April 29, 2017: Bill Gates Teams Up with Roger Federer for Match for Africa 4
On April 29, 2017, Bill Gates joined forces with tennis legend Roger Federer for the Match for Africa 4 in Seattle. This exhibition match, held at a sold-out Key Arena, raised funds for the Roger Federer Foundation's charitable work in Africa. Gates and Federer emerged victorious against their opponents, John Isner and Mike McCready, raising $2 million for children in Africa.
October 2017: Surpassed by Bezos Again
In October 2017, Jeff Bezos overtook Bill Gates to become the world's richest person.
November 2017: Bill Gates Makes Substantial Donations to Alzheimer's Research and Treatment
In November 2017, Bill Gates made significant contributions to combat Alzheimer's disease. He donated $50 million to the Dementia Discovery Fund, a venture capital fund focused on Alzheimer's treatment, and committed an additional $50 million to support start-up companies engaged in Alzheimer's research.
2017: Last Year on Top of Forbes 400
2017 marked the last year Bill Gates held the top spot on the Forbes 400 list.
March 5, 2018: Bill Gates and Roger Federer Reunite for Match for Africa 5
Continuing their charitable collaboration, Bill Gates and Roger Federer teamed up again for the Match for Africa 5 on March 5, 2018, at the SAP Center in San Jose. They faced off against Jack Sock and Savannah Guthrie, winning the match and raising over $2.5 million for the Roger Federer Foundation's efforts in Africa.
March 2018: Gates Meets with Saudi Crown Prince
In March 2018, Bill Gates hosted Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, at his residence in Seattle. Their meeting focused on exploring potential investment opportunities related to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, highlighting Gates's influence and involvement in global economic development discussions.
June 2018: Bill Gates Provides Free Ebooks to U.S. College Graduates
In June 2018, Bill Gates announced the provision of free ebooks to all new graduates of U.S. colleges and universities, promoting educational access and affordability.
August 25, 2018: Bill Gates Donates to Kerala Flood Relief Through UNICEF
Responding to devastating floods in Kerala, India, Bill Gates, through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, donated $600,000 to UNICEF on August 25, 2018. This contribution aided the organization's relief efforts in the flood-ravaged region.
October 2018: Paul Allen's Death
In October 2018, Bill Gates experienced the loss of his long-time friend and Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen. Despite their past differences, they had rekindled their friendship and became known for their philanthropic efforts, including donations to their childhood school.
2018: Surpassed in Wealth by Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos surpassed Bill Gates in wealth in 2018, ending Gates's long reign as the world's richest person.
June 2019: Gates Reflects on Past Decisions and Joins Bloomberg Forum
In June 2019, Bill Gates acknowledged his biggest regret in the tech world, admitting that Microsoft's failure to dominate the mobile operating system market was a significant missed opportunity. He attributed this setback partly to the antitrust litigation the company faced at the time. In the same year, Gates joined the advisory board of the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, demonstrating his continued engagement in shaping global economic discourse.
November 2019: Briefly Regains Top Spot
A surge in Microsoft's share price in November 2019 propelled Bill Gates back to the top of the wealth rankings, surpassing Jeff Bezos.
2019: Investigation into Allegations Against Gates
In late 2019, an external law firm initiated an investigation into allegations of an inappropriate relationship between Bill Gates and a Microsoft employee. The investigation, commissioned by Microsoft's board, aimed to examine the validity of the claims and assess any potential violations of company policy or code of conduct.
2019: Gates advocates for climate legislation
Since 2019, Bill Gates has been advocating for the passage of climate-related legislation, focusing on convincing Joe Manchin to support such bills. His efforts culminated in support for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which aims to significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
2019: Cameo Appearance in Silicon Valley Series Finale
Bill Gates made a cameo appearance as himself in the 2019 series finale of the television show Silicon Valley.
2019: New York Times Exposé on Gates's Ties to Epstein
In 2019, the New York Times published an article detailing Bill Gates's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, which began in 2011.
2019: Gates Denies Connection Between Epstein and Philanthropy
In 2019, Bill Gates refuted any link between Jeffrey Epstein and the Gates Foundation or his philanthropic activities, despite reports suggesting they discussed philanthropy.
2019: Melinda Gates Consults Divorce Attorneys
According to reports, Melinda Gates began meeting with divorce attorneys in 2019.
2019: Gates begins divesting from fossil fuels
In 2019, Bill Gates started to divest from fossil fuels. He acknowledged that divestment alone might not have a significant impact but stated that he did not want to benefit from rising fossil fuel stocks if his efforts to provide alternatives failed.
March 13, 2020: Gates Leaves Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway Boards for Philanthropy
On March 13, 2020, Bill Gates announced his decision to step down from the boards of both Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway. This move allowed him to dedicate more time and resources to his philanthropic endeavors through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, primarily focusing on global health, climate change, and education.
March 2020: Bill Gates Leaves Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway
Bill Gates left his board positions at Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway in March 2020 to focus on his philanthropic endeavors.
November 2020: Bill Gates Voices Support for Normalizing COVID-19 Masks
In November 2020, Bill Gates expressed his support for the normalization of COVID-19 masks during an interview. He drew a comparison to wearing pants, stating that it should be viewed as a societal norm.
December 8, 2020: Bill Gates Discusses Financial Inclusion at Singapore FinTech Festival
On December 8, 2020, Bill Gates participated in a virtual fireside chat at the Singapore FinTech Festival. Moderated by journalist Shereen Bhan, the discussion centered around "Building Infrastructure for Resilience: What the COVID-19 Response Can Teach Us About How to Scale Financial Inclusion."
December 2020: Gates calls for U.S. clean energy research institutes
In December 2020, Bill Gates urged the U.S. federal government to establish institutes for clean energy research, similar to the National Institutes of Health. He also advocated for rich nations to transition to 100% synthetic beef industries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food production.
2020: Gates Foundation Establishes COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator
In 2020, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation demonstrated its commitment to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing the COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator. This initiative aimed to expedite the development and evaluation of new and repurposed drugs and treatments to combat the virus and mitigate its global impact.
2020: Death of William H. Gates Sr.
Bill Gates's father, William H. Gates Sr., passed away in 2020.
February 2021: Gates Collaborates with Fauci on Pandemic Response
In February 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bill Gates revealed his frequent communication and collaboration with Dr. Anthony Fauci, a leading infectious disease expert. Their discussions focused on tackling the pandemic, including vaccine development and other medical innovations, leveraging Gates's philanthropic resources and influence.
February 18, 2021: Gates comments on Trump's social media ban
On February 18, 2021, Bill Gates commented on the permanent ban of Donald Trump from social media platforms Facebook and Twitter. Gates warned that such an extreme measure could lead to political polarization and expressed concerns about its long-term impact.
April 2021: Gates criticized for stance on COVID-19 vaccine patents
In April 2021, Bill Gates faced criticism for suggesting that pharmaceutical companies should retain patents for COVID-19 vaccines. Critics argued that this stance could prevent poorer nations from accessing adequate vaccine supplies.
May 3, 2021: Announcement of Divorce
Bill and Melinda Gates announced their decision to divorce on May 3, 2021, after 27 years of marriage.
May 2021: Report on Gates's Departure from Microsoft Board
In May 2021, The Wall Street Journal published a report suggesting that Bill Gates's departure from Microsoft's board might be linked to an investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship with a Microsoft employee. This report raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his exit and brought scrutiny to his personal conduct.
June 2021: First sodium nuclear reactor announced
In June 2021, Bill Gates's company TerraPower and Warren Buffett's PacifiCorp announced the development of the first sodium nuclear reactor in Wyoming. The project was praised as a step towards carbon-negative nuclear power and a potential boost for Wyoming's uranium mining industry.
August 2, 2021: Divorce Finalized
The divorce of Bill and Melinda Gates was finalized on August 2, 2021.
August 2021: Gates Admits to "Huge Mistake" of Meeting with Epstein
In August 2021, Bill Gates admitted that meeting with Jeffrey Epstein was a "huge mistake." He claimed his motivation was to secure funding for philanthropic endeavors, but nothing materialized. He expressed regret for giving Epstein credibility.
2021: Bill Gates Expands Free Ebook Offering to College Students Worldwide
Extending his commitment to educational resources, Bill Gates expanded the offer of free ebooks to all college and university students globally in 2021, furthering his mission to make educational materials more accessible.
2021: Further Shift in Public Image After Divorce and Controversies
Bill Gates's public image underwent another change in 2021 due to his divorce announcement and revelations about his personal life and connections.
May 10, 2022: Bill Gates Tests Positive for COVID-19
Despite being fully vaccinated with three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, Bill Gates announced on May 10, 2022, that he had contracted COVID-19. He reported experiencing mild symptoms.
July 2022: Bill Gates Pledges to Donate Almost All His Wealth to Charity
In July 2022, Bill Gates reaffirmed his dedication to philanthropy by announcing his intention to donate nearly all his wealth to charity. Shared via his Twitter channel, this pledge aims to significantly impact various causes and eventually remove him from the list of the world's wealthiest individuals.
September 2022: Politico Exposé on Gates's Influence
In September 2022, Politico published an article criticizing NGO leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting Gates's influence and lack of medical credentials.
2022: Gates criticized for technological solutionism
In 2022, parts of the climate activist community criticized Bill Gates for his technological approach to solving climate change, especially after the publication of his book 'How to Avoid a Climate Disaster'. The educational streamer Wondrium produced a series called 'Solving for Zero: The Search for Climate Innovation' inspired by the book.
2022: Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was passed, an important piece of climate legislation that Bill Gates heavily supported. He thanked Joe Manchin and Chuck Schumer in a guest essay in The New York Times, calling the act potentially the most significant climate legislation in American history.
May 6, 2023: Gates delivers commencement address at Northern Arizona University
On May 6, 2023, Bill Gates delivered a commencement address at Northern Arizona University, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate. He provided further insights on climate change during his speech.
2023: Ranked Sixth on Forbes 400
Bill Gates secured the sixth position on the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans in 2023 with a net worth of $115.0 billion.
2023: Featured in Amol Rajan Interviews and The Billionaires Who Made Our World
In 2023, Bill Gates was interviewed for an episode of the Amol Rajan Interviews series on BBC Two. He was also the subject of an episode of the UK Channel 4 series The Billionaires Who Made Our World, further cementing his influence and the public's interest in his life.
2023: Epstein's Alleged Blackmail Attempt
In 2023, it was reported that Jeffrey Epstein had threatened to expose an alleged extramarital affair Bill Gates had with a Russian bridge player. This revelation added another layer to the controversy surrounding their relationship.
May 2024: Current Net Worth
As of May 2024, Bill Gates's estimated net worth is US$153 billion, making him the fifth-richest person globally.
2030: Saudi Vision 2030
Saudi Vision 2030 is a strategic framework developed by Saudi Arabia, aiming to reduce the country's reliance on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism.