Bill Gates's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Bill Gates. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Bill Gates is an American businessman and philanthropist, most famous for co-founding Microsoft with Paul Allen. He held various leadership roles within the company, including CEO and chief software architect, and was its largest individual shareholder for many years. Gates is recognized as a pivotal figure in the microcomputer revolution during the 1970s and 1980s, shaping the landscape of modern computing.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1987: Listed as a billionaire in Forbes magazine

In 1987, Bill Gates was listed as a billionaire in Forbes magazine's first ever America's richest issue; he was the world's youngest-ever self-made billionaire, with a net worth of $1.25 billion.

1987: Gates Included in Forbes List of Top Billionaires

Since 1987, Bill Gates has been included in the Forbes list of the world's top billionaires.

1993: Ranked first on the Forbes 400 list

In 1993, Bill Gates was ranked first on the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans.

1995: Gates Becomes Wealthiest Person in the World

From 1995, Bill Gates held the title of the wealthiest person in the world.

1995: Ranked as the richest person in the world

In 1995, Bill Gates was ranked as the richest person in the world on The World's Billionaires list.

1996: Ranked as the richest person in the world

In 1996, Bill Gates was ranked as the richest person in the world on The World's Billionaires list.

1998: Ranked as the richest person in the world

In 1998, Bill Gates was ranked as the richest person in the world on The World's Billionaires list.

1999: Gates Becomes First Centibillionaire

In 1999, Bill Gates became the first ever centibillionaire when his net worth briefly surpassed US$100 billion.

1999: Wealth surpassed US$100 billion

In 1999, Bill Gates's wealth briefly surpassed US$100 billion, making him the first person to reach this net worth.

2007: Ranked as the richest person in the world

In 2007, Bill Gates was ranked as the richest person in the world on The World's Billionaires list.

2008: Gates Not Wealthiest Person in the World

In 2008, Bill Gates was not the wealthiest person in the world.

2009: Wealth doubled since 2009

Between 2009 and 2014, Bill Gates' wealth doubled from US$40 billion to US$82 billion.

2009: Ranked as the richest person in the world

In 2009, Bill Gates was ranked as the richest person in the world on The World's Billionaires list.

2010: Gates Not Wealthiest Person in the World

From 2010, Bill Gates was not the wealthiest person in the world.

2013: Regained top position on Bloomberg Billionaires Index

In 2013, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Bill Gates regained the top position as the wealthiest person.

2013: Gates Not Wealthiest Person in the World

Until 2013, Bill Gates was not the wealthiest person in the world.

2014: Ranked first on the Forbes 400 list

In 2014, Bill Gates was ranked first on the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans.

2017: Ranked first on the Forbes 400 list

In 2017, Bill Gates was ranked first on the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans.

2017: End of Gates's Title as Wealthiest Person in the World

Until 2017, Bill Gates held the title of the wealthiest person in the world every year except in 2008 and from 2010 to 2013.

November 2019: Became richest person again

In November 2019, Bill Gates once again became the richest person in the world after a 48% increase in Microsoft shares, surpassing Jeff Bezos.

May 6, 2023: Commencement Address at Northern Arizona University

On May 6, 2023, Bill Gates gave a commencement address at Northern Arizona University, where he received an honorary doctorate and shared insights on climate change.