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Born on January 21 in Seattle, Washington, to Kenneth Allen, a librarian, and Faye Allen, a schoolteacher. -
Meets Bill Gates at Lakeside School in Seattle. The two become friends over their shared passion for computers. -
After graduating from high school, Allen enrolls at Washington State University but drops out after two years to work as a programmer for Honeywell -
Co-founds Microsoft with Bill Gates. Together, they develop a version of BASIC for the Altair 8800, marking the beginning of Microsoft's success in personal computing. -
Secures a critical deal with IBM to provide an operating system (MS-DOS) for its personal computers, establishing Microsoft’s dominance in the industry. -
Diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, prompting Allen to step down from his active role at Microsoft. He remains on the board until 2000 but focuses on his health and other ventures.
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Founds Vulcan Inc., a company to manage his diverse business and philanthropic interests, including investments in technology, media, and real estate. -
Purchases the Seattle Seahawks football team, ensuring the team's stability in Seattle and later helping them achieve success, including a Super Bowl win in 2014. -
Becomes a major philanthropist, donating billions to science, education, and the arts, including launching the Allen Institute for Brain Science and funding space exploration through SpaceShipOne.
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Passes away on October 15 from complications of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leaving behind a legacy of technological innovation, philanthropy, and sports team ownership.
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Passes away on October 15 from complications of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leaving behind a legacy of technological innovation, philanthropy, and sports team ownership.