Paul Allen

Paul Gardner Allen was the co-founder of Microsoft and a philanthropist. He was born and brought up in Seattle, Washington, by his Jewish parents who were both librarians. He was always interested in science and computers and did his schooling from Lakeside School in Seattle. It was there that he met Bill Gates at the age of 14 and both the computer enthusiasts started to experiment with different languages and programs of computers. He is a Washington State University dropout and the one who convinced Gates to dropout from Harvard. Together they created Microsoft in 1975, in New Mexico. After the initial workings and handling the dealings of the company, Allen left the company because he was struggling with cancer and had to go through a series of painful radiation therapies. After recovering, he started investing in non-profit organizations for the benefit of the general public in the field of health and science. He also owned two professional sports teams in America. His charitable philanthropic work earned him many awards and accolades. He was known to be the kind of billionaire who liked to share his wealth with the needy. A well known recluse, he kept his personal life very private.