How Much Money Does Bill Gates Have?
It is safe to say that Bill Gates is the world’s richest man. While the exact amount of his net worth is hard to pin down, estimates suggest that he is worth well over $120 billion. But, exactly how much money does Bill Gates have? We’ll break down the details of his wealth in this article.
The Impact of Bill’s Wealth
One of the largest philanthropic benefactors in history, Bill and his wife, Melinda have also donated roughly $45.5 billion to charitable causes through their Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Bill Gates’ impact on the world economy is unmeasurable, as he currently wields influence in the tech, finance and philanthropic arenas.
The History of Bill’s Wealth
Gates founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975 and remained chairman until 2014. After the stock market crash of 2000, Gates scaled back his involvement in the tech giant, but remained an active board member and technology consultant until February 2014.
What Is Bill’s Current Net Worth?
Bill Gates currently ranks first in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, and Forbes listed him as the world’s richest man in 2018. As of 2019, Bill Gates’ net worth was estimated at $107.5 billion. He has netted $22 billion in the last five years and his net worth consistently continues to grow.
Where Does Bill Invest His Money?
Bill Gates’ invests his money through his venture capital firm, Cascade Investment. According to their website: “Cascade Investment strives to invest in businesses that generate predictable cash flows and have the potential to compound returns on invested capital over extended periods.”
Cascade Investment is currently estimated to have a net worth of $14 billion and its investments include as South Korean utilities, oil drilling and production companies, fertiliser manufacturers, and Canadian and US financial stocks.
He is also invested in the stock market, with equity investments in Canadian National Railway, AutoNation and Ecolab.
What Does Bill Do with His Earnings?
Virtually all of Bill Gates’ earnings are reinvested into Cascade Investment, his venture capital firm. He and Melinda donate millions of dollars each year to charitable organizations. Their most recent commitment of $1 billion to fund vaccine research has demonstrated just how committed Bill is to making the world a better place.
Gates also maintains a small portfolio of luxury real estate in areas like San Diego, Arizona and Florida. However, his primary residence is located in Medina, Washington.
How Does Bill Spend His Money Personally?
Though his primary interests lie in charity and investment, Gates still finds ways to enjoy his wealth. He owns a private jet and takes numerous vacations with his family each year. He recently bought a sculpture from British artist Damien Hirst for $15 million.
Gates is also passionate about collecting rare artifacts. He was first introduced to this hobby during a visit to the British Museum in 1997 and now owns Codex Leicester, the earliest surviving book written in English by Leonardo da Vinci.
In a world of growing inequality, it is clear that Bill Gates is at the top of the food chain. It is hard to fathom exactly how much almighty his wealth really is. While his wealth total nowhere close to a definite figure, it is estimated to be well over $120 billion. Despite his wide-ranging investments and collections, most of Bill Gates’ earnings are reinvested into his firm, Cascade Investment. His and Melinda’s frequent charitable donations demonstrate their commitment to making the world a better place.
