Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has disclosed that he has donated over $100 billion through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in his ongoing efforts to combat preventable diseases and reduce poverty worldwide.
“I’ve given over 100 billion,” Gates confirmed in an exclusive interview. “But I still have more to give.”
The staggering sum, equivalent to approximately £80 billion, is comparable to the size of Bulgaria’s economy or the estimated cost of the HS2 rail project. Yet, in relative terms, it is also close to a single year of Tesla’s sales. Tesla’s owner, Elon Musk, currently holds the title of the world’s richest man, a position Gates occupied for many years.
A Legacy of Giving
Gates, alongside fellow billionaire Warren Buffett, has channeled vast resources into philanthropic efforts through the Gates Foundation, which he originally co-founded with his now ex-wife, Melinda. The foundation, marking its 25th anniversary this year, had planned to announce the $100 billion milestone in May, but Gates chose to disclose it earlier in this interview.
Despite donating tens of billions, Gates maintains that his lifestyle has remained largely unaffected. “I made no personal sacrifice. I didn’t order less hamburgers or fewer movies,” he remarked, acknowledging that he still enjoys luxuries like private jets and multiple residences.
While pledging to give away “the vast majority” of his wealth, Gates has had in-depth discussions with his three children about inheritance. When asked if they would be left struggling financially, he responded with a smile, “They will not. In absolute terms, they’ll do well, but in percentage terms, it’s not a gigantic number.”
A Mathematical Mindset
Gates’ mathematical acumen was evident early in life. At just 13, he ranked among the top high school mathematics students in a four-state regional competition. This analytical mindset is reflected in his approach to wealth distribution: even a small percentage of his estimated $160 billion fortune would still leave his children incredibly wealthy.
During the interview, Gates revisited his childhood home in Seattle, where he was joined by his sisters, Kristi and Libby. The family reminisced about their upbringing, recalling their mother’s strict yet affectionate influence. Mary Gates, a driving force behind Gates’ discipline, used an intercom system to wake her children with morning songs and set their clocks eight minutes fast to keep them punctual.
His competitive spirit, Gates credits to his grandmother, “Gami,” who taught him strategic thinking through card games. He also shared memories of sneaking out at night via his bedroom window to gain extra computer time—an early sign of the dedication that would later shape the tech industry.
The Influence of Neurodiversity
Gates also revealed, for the first time, that he believes he would likely be diagnosed on the autism spectrum if assessed today. “The positive characteristics for my career have been more beneficial than the deficits have been a problem for me,” he explained.
His ability to hyperfocus, his obsessive nature, and his unconventional social awareness were evident from an early age. At just 11, he wrote a 177-page report on Delaware, sourcing brochures and company reports to compile information.
His sisters acknowledged his differences, with Kristi recalling, “He was not a normal kid… he would sit in his room and chew pencils down to the lead.”
Big Tech, Politics, and Social Media
Gates also weighed in on the role of tech billionaires in politics, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, who have engaged with figures like Donald Trump. While acknowledging skepticism over their motives, he revealed that he had a private three-hour dinner with Trump in December to discuss global health initiatives.
On the controversial decision by Zuckerberg to end fact-checking on his platforms in the U.S., Gates expressed concern, saying he was “not that impressed” with how both governments and tech companies are handling the balance between free speech and misinformation.
“I don’t personally know how you draw that line, but I’m worried that we’re not handling that as well as we should,” he said.
Gates also supported stricter regulations on children’s social media use, endorsing Australia’s proposal to ban platforms for users under 16. “There’s a good chance that’s a smart thing,” he said, emphasizing the risks of social networking in shaping self-worth and time management.
The Early Days of Microsoft
Gates’ path to success began at Lakeside School in Seattle, where his mother fundraised to provide students access to an early mainframe computer. While most teachers struggled with the technology, Gates and a few peers—including his future Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen—immersed themselves in programming.
Tragically, his best friend Kent Evans, with whom he had dreamed of future business ventures, died at 17 in a climbing accident. Gates recalled breaking down in tears on the steps of Lakeside’s chapel during the funeral.
Reflecting on his journey, Gates acknowledged the pivotal role of access to computers in shaping his career. “We got to use computers when almost nobody else did,” he said.
A Lasting Impact
Now nearly 70, Gates continues his mission to reshape the world through philanthropy, science, and technology. With $100 billion already donated and more to give, his impact on global health and poverty reduction is set to continue for years to come.