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 who co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, becoming a central figure in the microcomputer revolution. He led Microsoft to become a dominant force in the software industry and became the youngest billionaire in 1987 following the company's IPO. For many years, Gates was ranked as the world's wealthiest person by Forbes, even becoming the first centibillionaire. As of May 2025, he is the thirteenth-richest person globally, with a net worth of $113 billion.

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), leading to significant financial success for Bill Gates.

1987: Billionaire Status

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

1987: Youngest Billionaire

In 1987, at the age of 31, Bill Gates became the youngest billionaire ever at the time, after Microsoft's IPO.

1993: Forbes 400 List

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

1995: 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 many years.

1996: Richest Person

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

1998: 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 $100 billion.

1999: Time's 100 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: Richest Person

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

2009: Wealth Increase

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

2009: 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, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Bill Gates regained the top position as the wealthiest person.

2014: Forbes 400 List

From 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 the Presidential Medal of Freedom for their philanthropic work.

2017: Forbes Ranking

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

November 2019: 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: Gates Delivers Commencement Address and Receives Honorary Doctorate 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 further discussed insights on climate change.