Paul Allen

Date of Birth: January 21, 1953

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: October 15, 2018

Biography

Paul Gardner Allen was an American business magnate, computer programmer, researcher, and philanthropist. He was born in Seattle, Washington, and is best known as the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation alongside Bill Gates. Allen’s career began at a young age when he developed a fascination with computers and technology. He attended Lakeside School, where he met Bill Gates, and the two bonded over their shared interest in computing. After high school, Allen attended Washington State University but dropped out to pursue his passion for technology. He convinced Gates to leave Harvard University, and together, they founded Microsoft in 1975. Their vision was to create software for personal computers, which revolutionized the tech industry and contributed to the rise of the digital age. Allen played a crucial role in the early days of Microsoft, helping to develop the company’s first product, a version of the BASIC programming language for the Altair 8800 microcomputer. Despite his departure from Microsoft in 1983 due to health issues, Allen remained a significant figure in the tech industry and an influential investor. Beyond Microsoft, Allen founded Vulcan Inc., a company that managed his various business and philanthropic endeavors. He invested in diverse areas, including real estate, technology, media, and sports. Allen was also the owner of the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA). Throughout his life, Allen was committed to philanthropy, donating billions to various causes, including education, wildlife conservation, and medical research. He established the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and the Allen Institute for Brain Science, among other philanthropic initiatives.

5 Interesting Facts about Paul Allen

1. Paul Allen and Bill Gates originally named their company “Micro-Soft,” a combination of “microcomputer” and “software.”

2. Allen was an avid music lover and played guitar in a band called “Grown Men.”

3. He funded the construction of the Allen Telescope Array to search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

4. Allen made significant contributions to the Human Genome Project through his financial support.

5. He was a key figure in the development of Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood, contributing to its transformation into a biotech and innovation hub.