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, computer programmer, and philanthropist best known for co-founding Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975. His work was instrumental in the microcomputer revolution. Beyond Microsoft, Allen was involved in diverse ventures as an investor, sports executive, film producer, and explorer. At the time of his death in 2018, he was ranked among the wealthiest people in the world.

Sections (4)

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

1982: Diagnosis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma

In 1982, Paul Allen was diagnosed with Stage 1-A Hodgkin's lymphoma, which was successfully treated with radiation therapy.

1983: Allen refused to sell his Microsoft shares

In 1983, Bill Gates tried to buy Allen out of Microsoft at $5 per share, but Allen refused, a decision that made him a billionaire when Microsoft went public.

1990: Trail Blazers reached the NBA Finals

In 1990, the Allen-owned Trail Blazers reached the NBA Finals.

1992: Trail Blazers reached the NBA Finals

In 1992, the Allen-owned Trail Blazers reached the NBA Finals.

2005: Seahawks made Super Bowl

In 2005, the Paul Allen owned Seahawks made the Super Bowl following an NFC Championship victory.

2007: Listed among Time 100 Most Influential People

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

2008: Listed among Time 100 Most Influential People

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

2009: Diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

In 2009, Paul Allen was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which was also successfully treated at the time.

2010: Allen Launches Distinguished Investigators Awards

In 2010, Paul Allen launched the Allen Distinguished Investigators Awards (ADI) to support scientists with early-stage research projects.

2010: Allen Signs The Giving Pledge

In 2010, Paul Allen signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of his wealth to philanthropic causes. He also received commendations such as the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy and Inside Philanthropy's "Philanthropist of the Year" in 2010.

October 15, 2012: Allen Receives Eli and Edythe Broad Award for Philanthropy in the Arts

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

2012: Allen's South Lake Union investment called "unexpectedly lucrative"

In 2012, The Wall Street Journal called Paul Allen's South Lake Union investment "unexpectedly lucrative," leading to his firm selling a complex to Amazon.com for US$1.16 billion.

2013: Seahawks made Super Bowl

In 2013, the Paul Allen owned Seahawks made the Super Bowl following an NFC Championship victory.

February 2014: Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII

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

August 2014: Seahawks valued at $1.33 billion

In August 2014, the Seahawks, owned by Allen, were valued at $1.33 billion by Forbes.

2014: We The Economy won 12 awards

In 2014 alone, Paul Allen's film, We The Economy, won 12 awards including a Webby award for best Online News & Politics Series.

Loading Video...

August 7, 2015: HMS Hood Ship's Bell Recovered

On August 7, 2015, Paul Allen and his research team successfully recovered the ship's bell from HMS Hood.

2015: Project Aristo Aims to Pass 8th-Grade Science Exam

As of 2015, Project Aristo, one of AI2's four main projects, is working to build an AI system capable of passing an 8th-grade science exam.

2015: Japanese Battleship Musashi Located

In 2015, the project team aboard RV Petrel, a research ship funded by Paul Allen, located the Japanese battleship Musashi.

January 2016: Ebola Cases Reduced to Zero

In January 2016, the number of Ebola cases was reduced to zero, a goal Allen supported through his philanthropic efforts.

April 2016: 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 his yacht.

2017: RV Petrel Finds USS Indianapolis and Other Wrecks

In 2017, at Allen's direction, RV Petrel found USS Indianapolis, USS Ward, the wrecks of the Battle of Surigao Strait and the Battle of Ormoc Bay.

February 7, 2018: Quincy Jones Praises Allen's Talent

On February 7, 2018, Quincy Jones said he "sings and plays just like Hendrix" in an interview for New York magazine's Vulture website.

November 3, 2018: Seattle Landmarks Illuminate in Blue as Tribute

On November 3, 2018, several Seattle-area landmarks, including the Space Needle, Columbia Center and Lumen Field, as well as various Microsoft offices throughout the United States, were illuminated in blue as a tribute to Paul Allen.

2018: RV Petrel Finds Lost US Navy Aircraft and USS Lexington

In 2018, RV Petrel found a lost US Navy C-2A Greyhound aircraft in the Philippine Sea, USS Lexington in the Coral Sea and the USS Juneau off the coast of the Solomon Islands.