
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT), was the richest man in the world from 1995 to 2017 (except for 2008). He was in that position again from 2010 to 2013. He has dropped to the number eight spot on the Bloomberg Billionaires list. However, his net worth is still $165 billion, after rising by over $6 billion this year.
24/7 Wall St. Key Points:
-
Bill Gates’s net worth has increased by over $6 billion so far this year.
-
Unlike many of the richest people in the world, his wealth is spread across a wide number of investments.
-
Take this quiz to see if you’re on track to retire. (sponsored)
Gates was chief executive officer of Microsoft from 1975 to 2000. He left primarily to pursue his philanthropic interests. He and his ex-wife started their foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in 2000. As of 2023, the foundation had given away $78 billion, primarily to environmental causes and gender inequality.
Unlike many of the richest people in the world, Gates’s wealth is spread across a wide number of investments. His 1.3% ownership of Microsoft is worth about $60 billion.
Gates has followed the example of his close friend Warren Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK-B). Gates’s diversification runs across a large number of public companies, including Buffett’s. He also owns pieces of Walmart and FedEx.
Gates also has tens of billions of dollars in Cascade Investment, which holds his stake in private companies. These range from Ritz Carlton to nuclear energy startup TerraPower.
Gates will not top any billionaire lists again. Several people are too far ahead of him. That includes Elon Musk, whose net worth is nearly $450 billion.
This Wealthy Black American Is Worth Over $9 Billion
In 20 Years, I Haven’t Seen A Cash Back Card This Good
After two decades of reviewing financial products I haven’t seen anything like this. Credit card companies are at war, handing out free rewards and benefits to win the best customers.
A good cash back card can be worth thousands of dollars a year in free money, not to mention other perks like travel, insurance, and access to fancy lounges.
Our top pick today pays up to 5% cash back, a $200 bonus on top, and $0 annual fee. Click here to apply before they stop offering rewards this generous.
Flywheel Publishing has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Flywheel Publishing and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.