Bill Gates’s Business Portfolio
1Gates Foundation
Role: Chair
Founded: 2000
Focus: Philanthropy
Ownership:(Non-profit)
2Cascade Investment
Role: Chairman and Founder
Founded: 1995
Focus: Investment Management
Ownership: Private
3Branded Entertainment Network
Role: Chairman and Founder
Founded: 2006
Focus: Media and Entertainment
Ownership: Private
4TerraPower
Role: Chairman and Co-founder
Founded: 2008
Focus: Nuclear Energy
Ownership: Private
5Breakthrough Energy
Role: Founder
Founded: 2015
Focus: Clean Energy Innovation
Ownership: N/A (Initiative)
6Gates Ventures
Role: Founder
Founded: 2008
Focus: Venture Capital
Ownership: Private
7Microsoft
Role: Technology Advisor
Founded: 1975
Focus: Technology and Software
Ownership: ~1.3% (as of recent data)
Bill Gates’ Business Investment Timeline
- 1975: Gates, along with Paul Allen, founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to develop and sell BASIC interpreters for the Altair 8800. This marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.
- 1980: Microsoft partnered with IBM to develop MS-DOS, the operating system that would become the standard for IBM PC and compatible computers, solidifying Microsoft’s position in the burgeoning personal computer market.
- 1986: Microsoft went public, with its initial public offering (IPO) making Gates a billionaire at the age of 31, a testament to the company’s rapid growth and market dominance.
- 1989: Gates founded Corbis, a digital image licensing and rights management company, aiming to digitize and license historical and contemporary imagery.
- 1997: Gates made a significant investment in Teledesic, a satellite telecommunications company aiming to provide global broadband internet access. Although Teledesic faced challenges and ultimately dissolved, it reflected Gates’ interest in innovative technologies.
- 2008: Gates transitioned from his full-time role at Microsoft to focus on his philanthropic work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, while remaining chairman of the board.
- 2014: Gates stepped down as chairman of Microsoft, taking on the role of technology advisor to support the new CEO, Satya Nadella.
- 2015: Gates launched Breakthrough Energy, an initiative to accelerate clean energy innovation and combat climate change, investing in various companies developing sustainable energy solutions.
- 2016: Gates founded Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a $1 billion investment fund focused on supporting clean energy technologies, demonstrating his commitment to addressing climate challenges through innovative ventures.
- 2021: Gates invested in various companies focused on climate change solutions, including those developing advanced nuclear energy and carbon capture technologies, through Breakthrough Energy.
- 2022: Gates invests in synthetic meat company, to combat climate change, and improve food security.
- 2023: Gates continued to invest in and promote innovative technologies through Breakthrough Energy, focusing on areas like sustainable agriculture, energy storage, and advanced materials.