Bill Gates is a well-known American entrepreneur, software developer, and philanthropist. He co-founded Microsoft Corporation in 1975 with Paul Allen and played a crucial role in revolutionizing the personal computer industry with the development of the Windows operating system. Gates served as the CEO of Microsoft until 2000, and has since focused on his philanthropic work through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is dedicated to global health, education, and poverty reduction. He is also known for his work in climate change and sustainable energy through the Breakthrough Energy Ventures fund. Gates is widely regarded as one of the most influential people in technology and business.