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, an American businessman and philanthropist, revolutionized personal computing as co-founder of Microsoft in 1975 alongside Paul Allen. Microsoft's IPO in 1986 catapulted Gates to billionaire status by 1987, becoming the world's youngest at the time. He dominated Forbes' wealthiest person list for 18 years between 1995 and 2017, including a 13-year consecutive reign. Gates became the first centibillionaire in 1999. As of May 2025, his net worth stands at $115.1 billion, ranking him as the world's thirteenth-richest individual.

Sections (6)

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

July 1980: IBM Approached Microsoft

In July 1980, IBM approached Microsoft concerning software for its upcoming personal computer, the IBM PC, after Gates's mother mentioned Microsoft to John Opel, IBM's then CEO. IBM first proposed that Microsoft write the BASIC interpreter.

June 25, 1981: Microsoft Restructuring

On June 25, 1981, Bill Gates oversaw Microsoft's company restructuring, which re-incorporated the company in Washington state and made Gates the president and chairman of the board.

1981: Microsoft Incorporated

In 1981, Microsoft incorporated, and Bill Gates became president and chairman of the board.

August 1986: OS/2 Development Deal with IBM

In August 1986, Microsoft struck a deal with IBM to develop a separate operating system called OS/2.

1986: Microsoft IPO

In 1986, Microsoft had its initial public offering (IPO), after which Gates became the world's youngest billionaire the following year.

1987: Listed as a billionaire

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

1987: Became Youngest Billionaire

In 1987, following Microsoft's IPO in 1986, Bill Gates became the world's youngest billionaire at age 31.

1993: Ranked first on Forbes 400 list

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

1995: Ranked as the richest person

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

1995: World's Wealthiest Person

In 1995, Forbes magazine ranked Bill Gates as the world's wealthiest person, a position he held for 18 out of 24 years between 1995 and 2017.

1996: Ranked as the richest person

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

1999: First Centibillionaire

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

1999: Time 100 Most Influential

In 1999, Bill Gates was named as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century by Time magazine.

1999: Gates's wealth surpassed $100 billion

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

2000: Steve Ballmer Succeeded as CEO

In 2000, Steve Ballmer succeeded Bill Gates as CEO of Microsoft. Gates transitioned to chief software architect.

2007: Wealthiest Person Streak Ended

Bill Gates was the world's wealthiest person for 13 consecutive years, ending in 2007.

2007: Ranked as the richest person

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

2008: Chief Software Architect

Bill Gates held the position of chief software architect at Microsoft until 2008.

2009: Wealth Doubled

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

2009: Ranked as the richest person

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

2013: Regained top position

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

2013: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Identified as World's Largest Charitable Foundation

In 2013, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was identified as the world's largest charitable foundation.

2014: Stepped Down as Chairman

In 2014, Bill Gates stepped down as chairman of the board at Microsoft and became technology advisor to CEO Satya Nadella.

2014: Ranked first on Forbes 400 list

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

2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2016, Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates were jointly awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom for their philanthropic work.

2017: Wealth Ranking

Between 1995 and 2017, Forbes magazine ranked Bill Gates as the world's wealthiest person for 18 out of 24 years.

2017: Ranked first on Forbes 400 list

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

November 2019: Once again richest person

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

2020: Resigned from the Board

In 2020, Bill Gates resigned from the board of Microsoft.

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.