Bill Gates
Microsoft co-founder, author and philanthropist sharing essays, videos and book reviews on Gates Notes about technology, global health and the ideas he is exploring.
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Latest
Bill’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Books
Books
BooksOverview
- Grew up
- Seattle, Washington
- Work
- Software entrepreneur, author and philanthropist
- Breakout
- Co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975
- Today
- Chair of the Gates Foundation and writer at Gates Notes
Mini bio
How it started.
Bill grew up in Seattle and discovered computers at 13. In his memoir, he looks back at the parents, teachers and friends who helped channel his intense curiosity into programming.
The first product.
In 1975, Bill and Paul Allen co-founded Microsoft. Their work on Altair BASIC became the company’s first product, the beginning of a software career that later gave Bill the resources for his philanthropy.
A second chapter.
Bill and Melinda started the Gates Foundation in 2000. In 2008, he shifted to working on the foundation full time. His work also includes clean energy through Breakthrough Energy and support for Alzheimer’s research.
Sharing what he learns.
On Gates Notes, Bill writes about the people he meets, the books he reads and the problems he is working on. His books range from climate and pandemic prevention to Source Code, a memoir about his early life.
Creditschronological, newest first
Books
- 2025Source Code: My BeginningsAuthor
- 2022How to Prevent the Next PandemicAuthor
- 2021How to Avoid a Climate DisasterAuthor
Software
- 1975Altair BASICCo-developer with Paul Allen
Awards
Quotes
We need a plan to ensure that the good outweighs the bad.Bill Gates, Gates Notes, August 26, 2026
From his essay on preparing for the transition to AI: https://www.gatesnotes.com/a-turbulent-ai-era-and-critical-choices-to-make
Trivia
- His grandmother taught him to play cards and helped shape the way he thought.
- He said he would donate his proceeds from Source Code to the United Way.
- He gave his first public speech in 1976, explaining software to computer hobbyists.
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