Bill Gates
Timeline of Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation. Overview of his technological innovations and contributions throughout his career.
Founding of Microsoft
Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft, a company that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells computer software, most notably the Windows operating system.
Microsoft goes public
Microsoft's initial public offering (IPO) took place, and the stock opened at $21 per share, making Bill Gates one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet.
Marriage to Melinda French
Bill Gates married Melinda French on January 1, 1994 in Hawaii. The couple later founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Release of Windows 95
Under Gates's leadership at Microsoft, Windows 95 was released, revolutionizing personal computer operating systems with a user-friendly interface and start menu.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation establishment
Bill Gates and his then-wife Melinda established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is one of the world's largest private charitable foundations.
Transitioning out of a day-to-day role at Microsoft
Bill Gates announced that he would transition out of his day-to-day role at Microsoft to dedicate more time to philanthropy with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Bill Gates steps down from daily work at Microsoft
Bill Gates completely stepped down from his day-to-day role at Microsoft to focus more intently on philanthropy and global health and education work through the Gates Foundation.
Stepping down as Microsoft's chairman
Bill Gates stepped down as chairman of Microsoft to take on a new role as technology advisor, supporting the new CEO Satya Nadella.
Resignation from Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway boards
Bill Gates stepped down from the public boards of Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway to dedicate more time to his philanthropic priorities including global health, development, education, and his increasing engagement in tackling climate change.
Divorce announcement from Melinda Gates
Bill and Melinda Gates announced their decision to end their marriage after 27 years, while continuing to work together at the Gates Foundation.
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