-
Birth
Born on January 21 in Seattle, Washington, to Kenneth Allen, a librarian, and Faye Allen, a schoolteacher. -
Meets Bill
Meets Bill Gates at Lakeside School in Seattle. The two become friends over their shared passion for computers. -
Graduates
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 funds
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 Deal
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
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. -
FOunds Vulcan
Founds Vulcan Inc., a company to manage his diverse business and philanthropic interests, including investments in technology, media, and real estate. -
Purchases Seattle Football team
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 Philantripist
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. -
Passes away
Passes away on October 15 from complications of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leaving behind a legacy of technological innovation, philanthropy, and sports team ownership. -
Passes away
Passes away on October 15 from complications of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leaving behind a legacy of technological innovation, philanthropy, and sports team ownership.