Technology visionary, business magnate and renowned philanthropist William Henry Gates III known as Bill Gates marks his 71st birthday today, October 28th, 2026, with tributes pouring in from across the globe for a man whose innovations reshaped modern computing and whose generosity continues to transform lives.
Born on October 28th, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, Gates emerged as a trailblazer of the microcomputer revolution, co-founding Microsoft in 1975 alongside childhood friend Paul Allen. From a Harvard dropout to becoming the youngest billionaire in the world at age 31 in 1987, his journey redefined entrepreneurship, leading Microsoft through its historic public listing in 1986 and steering it as CEO for 25 years before transitioning to Chief Software Architect and later Technology Adviser.Beyond the boardroom, Gates has distinguished himself as one of humanity’s greatest benefactors. Through the Gates Foundation, formerly the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which he co-chaired from 2000 to 2024, he has channelled billions into combating tuberculosis, malaria and polio, and into advancing health, education and poverty alleviation. His commitment to giving was further cemented in 2010 when he and Warren Buffett launched the Giving Pledge, inspiring billionaires worldwide to dedicate at least half their wealth to philanthropy.
Today, as the founder and chairman of multiple ventures including Cascade Investment, TerraPower, Breakthrough Energy and Gates Ventures, Gates remains an influential voice on innovation, climate and global health. With an estimated net worth of $106.5 billion as of July 2026, according to Forbes, the Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and Time 100 honoree continues to be celebrated not only for building one of the world’s most valuable companies but for leveraging wealth and intellect in service of humanity.
