Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, had a net worth of $20 billion at the time of his death. His life was a testament to the impact technology and innovation can have, not only on an industry but on the world. This article explores the journey of Paul Allen, from his early days to becoming a renowned technologist, philanthropist, and multi-industry investor.
Table of Contents
Who is Paul Allen?
Paul Gardner Allen was an American business magnate, computer programmer, researcher, investor, and philanthropist, best known for co-founding Microsoft Corporation with Bill Gates.
How old was Paul Allen?
Paul Allen was born on January 21, 1953, and passed away on October 15, 2018, at the age of 65.
Education and Early Life
Allen was born in Seattle, Washington, to Kenneth Sam Allen and Edna Faye Allen. He attended Lakeside School, where he met Bill Gates. Displaying an early interest in computers, he went on to Washington State University but dropped out to work as a programmer for Honeywell in Boston.
Paul Allen Net Worth
At the time of his death, Paul Allen’s net worth was estimated at $20 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.
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Profession
Allen was a technologist and entrepreneur. His most notable achievement was co-founding Microsoft, which became the world’s largest PC software company.
Microsoft
Allen co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975. The duo started by marketing a BASIC programming language interpreter and later provided the DOS for IBM’s PC line, which significantly contributed to their success.
Financial and Technology Ventures
Apart from Microsoft, Allen was involved in multiple ventures. He was an investor in technology and media, including owning Vulcan Capital and backing companies like Stratolaunch Systems, Interval Research Corporation, and Charter Communications.
Aerospace
Allen was the sole investor behind SpaceShipOne and founded Stratolaunch Systems, aimed at making space travel more accessible.
Real Estate
Allen invested in real estate through Vulcan Real Estate, notably redeveloping Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood. His personal real estate included properties in Seattle, New York, and Los Angeles.
Art Collection
Allen amassed a significant art collection featuring works from renowned artists like Jasper Johns, Paul Cezanne, and Claude Monet, among others. His collection was valued at over $1 billion.
Yacht
He owned the “Octopus,” a luxurious 414-foot yacht equipped with modern amenities and costing $200 million to build.
Sports Team Ownership
Allen owned the Portland Trail Blazers, the Seattle Seahawks, and had a stake in Seattle Sounders FC. Under his ownership, the Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII.
Philanthropy
A notable philanthropist, Allen donated over $2 billion to various causes, including science, technology, education, wildlife conservation, the arts, and community services. He was a signatory of The Giving Pledge.
Death
Paul Allen died from complications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2018.
Conclusion
Paul Allen’s legacy extends beyond Microsoft. His contributions to technology, sports, real estate, art, and philanthropy illustrate a life driven by curiosity, innovation, and generosity.
FAQs about Paul Allen
- What was Paul Allen’s role in Microsoft?
- He co-founded Microsoft and was instrumental in its early success.
- How did Paul Allen invest his wealth?
- He invested in technology, real estate, sports teams, and had an extensive art collection.
- What philanthropic works was Paul Allen known for?
- He donated over $2 billion to various causes and was a signatory of The Giving Pledge.
- What sports teams did Paul Allen own?
- He owned the Portland Trail Blazers, Seattle Seahawks, and part of Seattle Sounders FC.
- What was Paul Allen’s contribution to aerospace?
- He funded SpaceShipOne and founded Stratolaunch Systems to make space travel more accessible.
