Chennai: Paul Allen, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft, died at 65. He was an investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist who influenced many aspects of modern life — from technology and science to sports and music. On Monday, Allen’s investment firm Vulcan released a statement announcing his death.
He died in Seattle from complications related to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma two weeks after Allen said he was being treated for the disease. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, like the less-common Hodgkin’s disease, is a cancer of the lymphatic system. Allen founded Microsoft (MSFT) with Bill Gates in 1975, several years after the two met as fellow students at a private school in Seattle.
Allen left the company in 1982 after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease.
PC would not have existed without him: Bill Gates
The news shook the IT world and accolades have been pouring in for the entrepreneur from all fronts. The 65-year-old Allen succumbed to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which like the less-common Hodgkin’s disease, is a cancer of the lymphatic system.
“I am heartbroken by the passing of one of my oldest and dearest friends, Paul Allen,” Microsoft founder Bill Gates said in a statement Monday. “Paul was a true partner and dear friend. Personal computing would not have existed without him.”
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella called Allen’s contributions ‘indispensable’. “As co-founder of Microsoft, in his own quiet and persistent way, he created magical products, experiences and institutions, and in doing so, he changed the world,” Nadella added.
Allen’s family statement was read by his sister Jody Allen, who said, “My brother was a remarkable individual on every level. He was a much loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend.”
Allen didn’t slow down after leaving Microsoft. He stayed on the company’s board of directors for several years while establishing his own philanthropic foundation, along with Vulcan, his investment firm.
He bought two professional sports teams: the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers and the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. He was involved with both until his death.
The technologist, who Forbes says was worth $20.3 billion at the time of his death, donated more than $2 billion to charity. He also founded several organizations, including the space transportation company Stratolaunch, the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence and another Allen Institute that focuses on bioscience. Vulcan, which he founded, managed his business and philanthropic interests.
In his later years, Paul Allen took up a number of other projects - from the charitable to the adventurous. In 2014, he pledged at least $100 million to help fight the Ebola virus. In 2017, he pledged $30 million to house Seattle’s homeless.