10 mind-blowing facts about Bill Gates you probably didn't know

When you hear the name Bill Gates, the first thing that comes to mind is Microsoft, the tech giant he co-founded in 1975.

Born on October 28, 1955, Gates became a central figure in the personal computer revolution of the 1970s and 1980s, forever changing the way the world uses technology.

For decades, Gates topped the list of the world’s richest individuals, holding the number one spot on Forbes’ billionaire rankings for much of the late 20th and early 21st century.

Even today in 2025, with an estimated net worth of $149 billion, Gates continues to be a global icon of innovation and philanthropy.

Here are 10 fascinating facts about Gates’ life and career that might just surprise you.

1. Gates came from a privileged family

Contrary to the myth that he rose from nothing, Gates came from an affluent and well-connected family.

His father, William H. Gates Sr., was a prominent lawyer, and his mother, Mary Maxwell Gates, was an accomplished businesswoman who served on several corporate boards, including United Way International and First Interstate BancSystem.

This background gave Gates access to elite schools and early exposure to influential circles that would shape his career.

2. He wrote his first computer program at 13

At the age of 13, Gates wrote his first computer program at the Lakeside School in Seattle. 

The program was a simple tic-tac-toe game that allowed students to play against the computer.

It was at Lakeside where Gates met Paul Allen, the future co-founder of Microsoft, marking the start of one of tech’s most legendary partnerships.

3. Dropped out of Harvard

In 1973, Gates enrolled at Harvard University, achieving an outstanding 1590 out of 1600 on his SATs.

But just two years later, he dropped out to pursue Microsoft full-time with Paul Allen. Today, Gates is often called “Harvard’s most successful dropout.”

In 2007, Harvard recognised his achievements by awarding him an honorary degree.

4. He was once arrested in New Mexico

In 1977, Gates was arrested in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for running a stop sign and driving without a license.

His smiling mugshot became an iconic image of his rebellious early days. Gates, who was in New Mexico to work on Microsoft, quickly paid the $100 bail in cash.

5. Microsoft was not his first business venture

Before Microsoft, Gates’ first company was Traf-O-Data, which he co-founded with Paul Allen and Paul Gilbert.

The firm developed a system to analyse traffic flow data and earned about $20,000.

While Traf-O-Data wasn’t a long-term success, it gave Gates and Allen the technical and entrepreneurial experience that laid the foundation for Microsoft.

6. Gates was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II

On March 2, 2005, Gates received an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, recognising his philanthropic efforts and contributions to global health, poverty alleviation, and technology.

While he cannot use the title “Sir” because he is not a British citizen, the honor reflects his immense impact beyond business.

7. Gates memorised his employees’ license plates

As a young boss, Gates was famously intense and obsessed with productivity. He admitted to memorising the license plates of Microsoft employees so he could track when they arrived at and left the office.

Gates has since acknowledged that his early management style was extreme, but it reflected his determination to make Microsoft succeed.

8. He reads 50 books a year

A lifelong learner, Gates reads about 50 books each year. He has said that reading is his primary way of learning new things and testing his understanding.

His reading list spans history, science, technology, and memoirs, and every year he publishes his own list of book recommendations.

9. His Gates Foundation focuses on women’s health

In August 2025, the Gates Foundation announced a $2.5 billion commitment to women’s health by 2030, focusing on neglected conditions ranging from preeclampsia to menopause.

10. Was awarded the “world’s most respected man” title

In 2019, an international survey ranked Bill Gates as the most respected man in the world.

His influence extends beyond business, largely because of his philanthropy and commitment to solving pressing global challenges such as disease eradication, poverty reduction, and education reform.