Paul Allen

$21.70 B

Ranked #44 in World

About Paul Allen

Paul Gardner Allen, acclaimed American business magnate, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation alongside Bill Gates in 1975, significantly influenced the microcomputer revolution. Born on January 21, 1953, in Seattle, Washington, Allen's ingenuity in programming led him to leave Washington State University, setting the stage for Microsoft's success. By 2018, Forbes ranked him as the 44th wealthiest person globally, with an estate worth $20.3 billion. Beyond Microsoft, Allen's ventures spanned various sectors, including technology investments through Vulcan Capital, aerospace with SpaceShipOne, and significant contributions to sports, filmmaking, and philanthropy. His philanthropic efforts exceeded $2 billion, focusing on science, technology, education, and environmental conservation. Allen's passion for the arts, education, and research manifested in numerous donations and the establishment of innovative institutes. His legacy, marked by diverse achievements and generous philanthropy, continued till his passing on October 15, 2018, due to complications from non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Born

January 21, 1953 in Seattle, Washington, U.S.

Died

October 15, 2018 (aged 65)

Source Of Wealth

Microsoft, Investments

Industries

Technology

Citizenship

United States

Education

Drop Out, Washington State University

Paul Gardner Allen was born on January 21, 1953, in Seattle, Washington. His passion for technology began at an early age, attending Lakeside School where he befriended Bill Gates. Together, they honed their programming skills. Allen's academic journey took him to Washington State University, although he ultimately left to join Honeywell in Boston as a programmer, marking the beginning of a revolutionary career in technology and business.

Paul Allen: Family

Throughout his life, Paul Allen remained a private individual regarding his family. His sister, Jody Allen, played a significant role in his philanthropic efforts and business ventures, highlighting the close bond within the Allen family. Despite never marrying and having no children, Paul Allen cultivated a legacy through his extensive contributions to various fields, touching the lives of many across the globe.

Paul Allen: Career Highlights

Paul Allen’s career was marked by his co-founding of Microsoft Corporation with Bill Gates in 1975, a key moment in the microcomputer revolution. Even after stepping down from Microsoft's board in 2000, he continued as a senior strategy advisor. Beyond Microsoft, Allen made significant strides in technology, entertainment, and science through Vulcan Capital, Interval Research Corporation, and as the sole investor behind SpaceShipOne.

Paul Allen: Companies

Allen's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish and invest in numerous companies across various sectors. From Vulcan Capital to the pioneering aerospace ventures of Stratolaunch Systems, his diverse portfolio underscored a relentless pursuit of innovation. His investments also extended into real estate with Vulcan Real Estate and entertainment with Vulcan Productions, illustrating the breadth of his influence.

Paul Allen: Major Achievements

In addition to co-founding Microsoft, Allen pushed the boundaries of space exploration by funding SpaceShipOne and founding Stratolaunch Systems. His foresight in adopting emerging technologies also led him to acquire significant stakes in companies like Charter Communications and Ticketmaster, further diversifying his impact across industries.

Paul Allen: Awards & Achievements

Throughout his life, Paul Allen received numerous accolades for his technological, philanthropic, and artistic contributions.

Notably, he was listed among Time 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2007 and 2008, won the Collier Trophy for SpaceShipOne, and was posthumously inducted into the Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor in 2019, among many others.

Paul Allen: Personal Life & Legacy

Allen was a multifaceted individual, deeply passionate about music, art, and exploration. His contributions to philanthropy were profound, donating over $2 billion across various sectors. Despite facing health challenges, his spirit of innovation never waned, leaving a lasting legacy through his philanthropic foundations and institutes dedicated to research and the advancement of science and humanities.

Paul Allen: Trivia

Aside from his business acumen, Paul Allen had a profound love for music, inspired by Jimi Hendrix, and even released his own album. He was an avid yachtsman, owning the notable vessels "Octopus" and "Tatoosh." His memoir, "Idea Man," became a New York Times Best Seller, offering an intimate look into the mind of a visionary.

Wealth History

Timeline

January 21, 1953

Paul Gardner Allen is born in Seattle, Washington.

1975

Allen and Bill Gates co-found Microsoft Corporation in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

1982

Allen is diagnosed with Stage 1-A Hodgkin's lymphoma and successfully treated with radiation therapy.

1988

Allen purchases the Portland Trail Blazers NBA team.

1989

Allen donates $2 million to the University of Washington for the Allen Library.

1997

Allen buys the Seattle Seahawks NFL team.

2000

Allen resigns from Microsoft's board of directors but remains as a senior strategy advisor.

2002

Allen donates $14 million to the University of Washington for the Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science and Engineering.

2004

SpaceShipOne, the first privately funded suborbital commercial spacecraft, wins the Collier Trophy.

2005

Allen receives the National Air and Space Museum Trophy for Current Achievement.

2007

Allen is listed among Time 100 Most Influential People in the World.

2008

Allen is again listed among Time 100 Most Influential People in the World and receives the Vanguard Award from the National Cable & Telecommunications Association.

2009

Allen is diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and successfully treated until it returns in 2018.

2010

Allen donates $26 million to Washington State University for the Paul G. Allen School of Global Animal Health.

2011

Allen publishes his memoir, "Idea Man," and is elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

2012

Allen receives the Eli and Edythe Broad Award for Philanthropy in the Arts.

2013

Allen releases his album, "Everywhere at Once," with his band "Paul Allen and the Underthinkers.

2014

Allen is presented with a Super Bowl ring as co-owner of the Seattle Seahawks and receives a Lifetime Achievement Award from Seattle Business magazine.

2015

Allen is named "Philanthropist of the Year" by Inside Philanthropy magazine, inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame, and receives the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.

2016

Allen wins the MLS Cup as co-owner of the Seattle Sounders FC and pledges $10 million over four years for the Allen Discovery Centers at Tufts University and Stanford University.

2017

Allen donates $40 million (with an additional $10 million from Microsoft) to reorganize the University of Washington's Computer Science and Engineering department.

October 15, 2018

Paul Allen passes away at the age of 65 due to complications from non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

2019

Allen is posthumously inducted into the Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor and awarded the Aviation Week & Space Technology Philip J. Klass Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Paul Allen : FAQs

What is Paul Allen's net worth?

As of 2018, Paul Allen's net worth was $21.70 billion.

What are Paul Allen's main sources of wealth?

Paul Allen's main source of income comes from Microsoft, Investments.

In which industry does Paul Allen primarily operate?

Paul Allen is primarily involved in the Technology industry.

What is Paul Allen educational background?

Paul Allen is a dropout from Washington State University.

Is Paul Allen dead?

Yes, Paul Allen died on October 15, 2018 (aged 65).

Who was Paul Allen and what is he known for?

Paul Allen was an American business magnate, computer programmer, and philanthropist, best known for co-founding Microsoft Corporation with Bill Gates in 1975. He was also involved in various fields including research, investing, filmmaking, and sports team ownership.

How did Paul Allen contribute to the field of space exploration?

Paul Allen was a pivotal figure in space exploration; he was the sole investor behind SpaceShipOne, the first privately funded suborbital commercial spacecraft. He also founded Stratolaunch Systems, which developed a dual-bodied, 6-engine jet aircraft for orbital launches.

What philanthropic efforts was Paul Allen known for?

Paul Allen was renowned for his philanthropy, having donated over $2 billion to various causes including science, technology, education, conservation, arts, and community services. He established the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate half of his fortune to philanthropy.

What were some of Paul Allen's significant contributions to sports and culture?

Paul Allen owned the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA) and the Seattle Seahawks (NFL), with the Seahawks winning Super Bowl XLVIII under his ownership. He also contributed to the cultural scene through Vulcan Productions, a film production company, and funded the development of venues like Portland's Moda Center and Seattle's CenturyLink Field.