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, renowned as a pioneer of the microcomputer revolution. He co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, leading the company to global dominance in software. Gates became a billionaire at age 31 following Microsoft's IPO in 1986. He was consistently ranked as the wealthiest person globally by Forbes for many years. In 1999, he became the first centibillionaire. As of May 2025, his net worth is estimated at $115.1 billion, ranking him among the world's richest individuals.

Sections (6)

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

1986: Microsoft's IPO

In 1986, Microsoft had its initial public offering (IPO), which significantly increased Gates's wealth.

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.

1993: Ranked First on Forbes 400 List

In 1993, Bill Gates was ranked first on the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans, a position he held until 2007.

1995: World's Richest Person

In 1995, Bill Gates was ranked as the richest person in the world.

1996: World's Richest Person

In 1996, Bill Gates was ranked as the richest person in the world.

1998: World's Richest Person

In 1998, Bill Gates was ranked as the richest person in the world.

1999: First Centibillionaire

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

1999: Named One of Time's Most Influential People

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

1999: Wealth Surpasses $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 First on Forbes 400 List & World's Richest Person

In 2007, Bill Gates was ranked first on the Forbes 400 list and was also considered the richest person in the world, maintaining this position until 2018.

2007: Gates Ranked Wealthiest Person

In 2007, Forbes Magazine recognized Bill Gates as the world's wealthiest person for the last consecutive year in a long running streak that started in 1995.

2009: World's Richest Person & Ranked First on Forbes 400 List

In 2009, Bill Gates was ranked as the richest person in the world and also topped the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans.

2013: Regained Top Position

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

2014: Ranked First on Forbes 400 List

In 2014, Bill Gates was ranked first on the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans, a position he held until 2017.

2016: Received Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

2017: Ranked First on Forbes 400 List

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

2017: Gates Ranked Wealthiest Person

In 2017, Forbes Magazine recognized Bill Gates as the world's wealthiest person for the last time in a long running streak that started in 1995.

November 2019: Regained Richest Person Title

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

May 6, 2023: Gates Receives Honorary Doctorate from 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 also shared insights on climate change.