As Microsoft commemorated its 50th anniversary recently, co-founder Bill Gates reflected on the company’s journey and the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Gates, who established Microsoft alongside Paul Allen in 1975, acknowledged the company’s significant impact on personal computing and its current focus on AI innovations.
In an interview with CNBC, Gates expressed that if he were to start Microsoft today, he would center it around AI, aiming to address specific needs within the industry. He emphasized the importance of developing unique perspectives in AI system design to stand out in a rapidly advancing field.
READ: AI may cause massive layoffs on Wall Street in the near future (January 10, 2025)
“Today, somebody could raise billions of dollars for a new AI company [that’s just] a few sketch ideas,” Gates said.
What is Bill Gates’ net worth?
As of March 2025, Gates’ net worth is estimated at $106 billion, positioning him as the 11th richest individual globally, according to Forbes.
Gates has expanded his fortune beyond the software giant, investing in industries ranging from waste management to agriculture. His portfolio includes stakes in Republic Services, a waste disposal firm, and Deere & Co., a leading tractor manufacturer.
Despite his substantial wealth, Gates remains dedicated to philanthropy, focusing on global health and education initiatives through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In March 2020, when Gates stepped down from Microsoft’s board, he held about 1.3% of the company’s shares.
After donating billions of dollars in Microsoft stock to the trust funding the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2022, his stake fell to less than 1%, Forbes reported. The foundation remains one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations, focusing on global health, education, and poverty alleviation.
READ: Biden administration to intensify restrictions on China’s access to AI chips (January 14, 2025)
His recent memoir “Source Code: My Beginnings,” which was published in February, delves into his early life, the formation of Microsoft, and his personal experiences, offering readers a glimpse into the mind of one of technology’s most influential figures.
As Microsoft marks half a century, Gates remains a pivotal figure in the tech industry, continually advocating for innovation and responsible development in emerging fields like artificial intelligence.
