The Jaw-Dropping Wealth Of The Microsoft Co-Founder, Bill Gates

Aside from the fact that he is fourth on the list of the wealthiest people in the world, the former CEO and co-founder of one of the world’s largest personal computer software companies also happens to be the world’s richest person. It provides him with a luxurious lifestyle – which includes private jets and sprawling mansions – as well as philanthropic projects that are impactful. Here's a look at his net worth.

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It is without question that Bill Gates is one of the biggest names in the world of software as a businessman, philanthropist, and author. Microsoft was founded by him and Paul Allen – along with him, he founded a groundbreaking company that offers a wide range of services, including cloud computing, software, hardware, online services, video games, and a host of other services. Among these are the iconic web browser, Internet Explorer, which was introduced in 1995, as well as the widely used Windows graphical operating system.

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Having risen to the ranks of the who’s who of society, the tech tycoon has accumulated a tremendous amount of wealth – becoming one of the world’s wealthiest people. Nevertheless, despite selling several shares of his company to philanthropic organizations for tens of billions of dollars, he still managed to maintain this position. It has also been reported that his children would be only able to inherit about 10 percent of his fortune. Take a look at his assets and more below.

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Bill Gates' net worth

Through the Gates Foundation, he is also involved in philanthropic endeavors. Between 1994 and 2018, Bill and his wife Melinda Gates invested over USD 36 billion (INR 2,68,016 crore) into the nonprofit, which fights poverty and disease. According to Trade Algo, the businessman owns 1.3 percent of Microsoft stock. He has only a few practical indulgences despite his wealth - which he has consistently been called unfair. With the help of 20 colleagues, he launched a US $1 billion (INR 81,68,28,50,000) investment fund, Breakthrough Energy, which has since invested in a variety of stocks and assets.

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Holiday homes and luxury mansions

Xanadu mansion by Gates is quite the sight to behold - it houses seven high-tech bedrooms, six kitchens, 24 bathrooms, an artificial stream, a massive swimming pool with indoor and outdoor sections, underwater speakers, and a trampoline that is almost as big as a building, to name a few. Aside from this, there are also 80,000 USD (around 65,33,796 INR) worth of computer screens that can be moved at the press of a button, digitized screens with family photographs, and a variety of digital art that you can change whenever you like. In addition to this, he also pays for St. Lucian sand to be imported to the shores of his home from this Caribbean island.

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There is also a library within the mansion that is approximately 2,100 square feet with vintage books, including a Leonardo da Vinci codex from the 16th century which cost him around 30 million dollars (Indian rupees approximately 225,000 crores). As per Business Insider, the value of all the books - according to  Trade Algo - is approximately USD 60 million (around INR 490 crore). In total, he has spent approximately USD 127 million (INR 1,037 crore) on the books and other fittings in his space.

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In addition to these, Gates also owns a couple of rural vacation spots, which include barns and racetracks that are dedicated to the equestrian daughter of hiss. A report suggests that he has invested USD 18 million (approximately Rs 146 crore) in building a 228-acre horse ranch in California. The ranch includes an orchard, guesthouse and an ocean view.

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The swanky wheels and the private jet

In addition to traveling on vacation and for official engagements, Gates owns a Bombardier BD-700 that seats up to 19 people and is used for vacations as well. Additionally, he has various garages where more than 23 luxury cars are housed – including a Porsche 959 for USD 1 million (INR 8 crore approx.). This mansion cost him approximately USD 40 million (INR 326 crore approx.).