Bill Gates is the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he works alongside Melinda Gates to shape grant strategies, advocate for the foundation’s issues, and set its overall direction. Together, they focus on expanding opportunities for the world’s disadvantaged populations by collaborating with grantees and partners and participating in national and international events to highlight the foundation’s work.

Gates’ philanthropic journey began in 1994 with the creation of the William H. Gates Foundation, which addressed global health issues. In 1997, he and Melinda launched the Gates Library Foundation to bring internet-connected computers to U.S. libraries, later renamed the Gates Learning Foundation to reflect its focus on education for low-income students. In 2000, these groups merged to form the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975, leaving Harvard to focus on developing the company with his friend Paul Allen. As chief software architect and chairman, Gates helped Microsoft become a global leader in business and personal software. In 2008, he stepped back from his role to focus on philanthropy but remains a Microsoft chairman and advisor on development projects. Gates also founded Corbis, a digital archive of global art and photography, and serves on the board of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.