Bill Gates on why he gave 4% of his shares to ‘future CEO’ Steve Balmer

Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer’s partnership at Microsoft began at Harvard, with Gates offering Ballmer a 4% stake to join the company in 1980. They shared similar goals and skipped lectures together, leading to Ballmer’s significant role in Microsoft and his eventual wealth. Ballmer succeeded Gates as CEO, significantly increasing his stake’s value.

​Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer’s partnership at Microsoft began at Harvard, with Gates offering Ballmer a 4% stake to join the company in 1980. They shared similar goals and skipped lectures together, leading to Ballmer’s significant role in Microsoft and his eventual wealth. Ballmer succeeded Gates as CEO, significantly increasing his stake’s value.