Who were the two founders of microsoft

Until then, only the government and large corporations could afford computers. But within only a few decades, Gates and Microsoft had indeed brought computer power to the people. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance.

Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Share Flipboard Email. Table of Contents Expand. Early Life. Starting Microsoft. Finding Success. Perils of Success. Marriage and Family. By Mary Bellis Mary Bellis.

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It often indicates a user profile. Log out. US Markets Loading H M S In the news. Matt Weinberger. This is an iconic portrait of Microsoft's first 11 employees, dating back to Despite their looks here, most of the Microsofties went on to become millionaires. Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates went on to become the second-richest person on the planet. Paul Allen, his friend and fellow cofounder, passed away in October after a battle with cancer.

Here's what happened to all of them. Bill Gates is now giving away the billions he made from Microsoft. Andrea Lewis became a fiction writer and freelance journalist. Maria Wood sued Microsoft just two years later. Paul Allen spent his billions on sports teams, startups, and much more — before passing away after a battle with cancer. Bob O'Rear went on to be a cattle rancher. Marc McDonald left Microsoft because it was getting big, but ended up back at the company anyway.

Gordon Letwin stayed with Microsoft longer than anyone other than Bill Gates. Steve Wood went on to become a serial entrepreneur. Bob Wallace was a fan of researching psychedelic drugs and founded a software company after Microsoft. Jim Lane went on to create his own software company. Here's one more look at the gang from In , Microsoft released the Xbox gaming console, which was a success.

In , Microsoft made its first foray into the computing hardware market with the announcement of Surface tablets that ran Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance.

Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Share Flipboard Email. By Mary Bellis Mary Bellis. Mary Bellis covered inventions and inventors for ThoughtCo for 18 years. She is known for her independent films and documentaries, including one about Alexander Graham Bell. Learn about our Editorial Process. Featured Video.