Paul Allen's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Paul Allen was an American businessman and computer programmer best known for co-founding Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975, a pivotal moment in the microcomputer revolution. Beyond Microsoft, Allen was a diverse figure, engaging in research, film production, exploration, sports management, investment, authorship, and philanthropy. At the time of his death in 2018, he was ranked among the wealthiest individuals globally, highlighting his significant impact across various domains.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1980: Microsoft Secures DOS Contract with IBM

In 1980, Microsoft committed to delivering DOS to IBM. Allen spearheaded a deal for Microsoft to purchase QDOS. This secured a contract to supply the DOS that ran on IBM's PC line.

1983: Allen Refuses Gates' Buyout Offer

In 1983, Gates tried to buy Allen out at $5 per share, but Allen refused and left the company with his shares intact, making him a billionaire when Microsoft went public.

1990: Trail Blazers Reach NBA Finals

The Allen-owned Trail Blazers reached the NBA Finals in 1990.

1992: Trail Blazers Reach NBA Finals

The Allen-owned Trail Blazers reached the NBA Finals again in 1992.

October 4, 2004: Allen Confirms Investment in SpaceShipOne

On October 4, 2004, Paul Allen confirmed he was the sole investor behind Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne. It won the Ansari X Prize and received the $10 million prize.

2005: Seahawks Win NFC Championship

The Seattle Seahawks won the NFC Championship in 2005 under the ownership of Paul Allen.

2007: Time 100 Most Influential People

In 2007, Paul Allen was listed among the Time 100 Most Influential People in the World.

2008: Time 100 Most Influential People

In 2008, Paul Allen was listed among the Time 100 Most Influential People in the World.

2010: Launch of the Allen Distinguished Investigators Awards (ADI)

In 2010, Paul Allen launched the Allen Distinguished Investigators Awards (ADI) to provide funding for scientists engaged in early-stage research projects, particularly those struggling to secure traditional funding sources.

October 15, 2012: Allen Received Eli and Edythe Broad Award

On October 15, 2012, Americans for the Arts presented Paul Allen with the Eli and Edythe Broad Award for Philanthropy in the Arts.

2012: South Lake Union Investment "Unexpectedly Lucrative"

In 2012, The Wall Street Journal called Paul Allen's South Lake Union investment "unexpectedly lucrative." Vulcan sold an office complex to Amazon.com for $1.16 billion.

2013: Seahawks Win NFC Championship

The Seattle Seahawks won the NFC Championship in 2013 under the ownership of Paul Allen.

February 2014: Seahawks Win Super Bowl XLVIII

In February 2014, the Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII under Paul Allen's ownership.

2014: We The Economy Films

In 2014, Allen's film, We The Economy, won 12 awards.

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November 3, 2015: Passage of Washington State Initiative 1401

On November 3, 2015, Washington state initiative 1401, backed by Paul Allen, passed. The initiative prohibits the purchase, sale, and distribution of products made from 10 endangered species, including elephants, rhinos, and sharks.

2015: Project Aristo's Development

As of 2015, Project Aristo at the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI2) was actively developing an AI system designed to pass an 8th-grade science exam.

2015: Oscar-nominated Body Team 12

In 2015, Allen's Vulcan Productions released the Oscar-nominated documentary "Body Team 12".

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2015: Publication of The Great Elephant Census Results

In 2015, the results of the Great Elephant Census, funded by Paul Allen, were published. The census, the largest of its kind since the 1970s, surveyed African savannah elephants across 20 countries and revealed rapid rates of decline in their populations.

January 2016: Ebola Cases Reduced to Zero

In January 2016, efforts to reduce the number of Ebola cases to zero were achieved, following substantial contributions and initiatives by Paul Allen and other organizations.

April 2016: Coral reef restoration plan completed

In April 2016, the Department of Environment (DoE) and Paul Allen's Vulcan Inc. successfully completed a restoration plan to help speed recovery and protect the future of coral in the area damaged by Tatoosh.

February 7, 2018: Quincy Jones Praised Allen's Musical Talent

On February 7, 2018, in an interview by New York magazine on their Vulture website, Quincy Jones expressed respect for Paul Allen's musical talent, noting that he "sings and plays just like Hendrix".

April 13, 2019: Stratolaunch Maiden Flight

On April 13, 2019, the Stratolaunch aircraft made its maiden flight, reaching 15,000 ft. It became the largest airplane in history by wingspan. It was dedicated to Paul Allen.

April 2019: Stratolaunch First Flight

In April 2019, shortly after Paul Allen's death, the Allen-funded Stratolaunch had its first flight. This aircraft became the largest in history by wingspan.