As of August 2024, Bill Gates’ net worth is estimated to be around $159 billion. This impressive figure places him among the wealthiest individuals globally, although the rankings constantly shift with market fluctuations and other economic factors. He accumulated the vast majority of his wealth through his role as CEO, chairman, and chief software architect of Microsoft (MSFT). While he stepped down from the board in 2020, he still maintains a significant stake in the company.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-182849193-5c6f325846e0fb0001d7944f.jpg “Bill Gates speaking at a technology and innovation conference, highlighting his continued influence in the tech industry.”)
Key Financial Holdings
- Microsoft Shares: Despite no longer being directly involved in Microsoft’s daily operations, Gates still owns approximately 1.3% of the company. As of August 2024, this stake alone is worth over $40 billion.
- Cascade Investment LLC: A significant portion of Gates’ wealth is managed through Cascade Investment LLC, a private investment firm controlled by Gates. This entity handles a diversified portfolio spanning various sectors.
Investments in Corporations
Gates strategically invests in various companies across different industries. Cascade Investment LLC manages the majority of his financial assets. While Cascade is not a public company, some of its investment activities are disclosed to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The portfolio includes diverse holdings. At one point, Cascade held 9.8% of Strategic Hotels and Resorts. It has also invested in Four Seasons hotels in Mexico, Atlanta, and Houston. Gates also has equity in the Branded Entertainment Network, a brand integration and advertising company. He is the chair of TerraPower, a nuclear reactor design company, and has backed ResearchGate, a social networking site for researchers and scientists. Through Gates Ventures, his private office, he funds initiatives in clean energy, education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
Cascade Investment’s portfolio was valued at approximately $128 billion as of July 16, 2024.
Real Estate Empire
Beyond corporate investments, Gates possesses substantial real estate holdings.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Bill_Gates_House-074c2c292c3744d891d58d4784692998.jpg “An expansive aerial shot of Bill Gates’ Xanadu 2.0 mansion on the shores of Lake Washington, showcasing its size and prime location.”)
- Xanadu 2.0: His primary residence, Xanadu 2.0, is a sprawling estate located in the Seattle area. This ocean-side lodge spans over 66,000 square feet and includes 500 feet of private waterfront on Lake Washington. The property features state-of-the-art technology, numerous kitchens and bathrooms, and computer-controlled amenities. The property was assessed at $1.04 million for tax purposes in 2019, implying an assessed value of $131.24 million at a 0.793% property tax rate.
- Wellington, Florida Properties: Gates has also invested heavily in Wellington, Florida, known as the winter equestrian capital of the world. His acquisitions include a four-bedroom mansion, horse ranches, and other properties, totaling over $59 million for a 30-acre assemblage.
- Grand Bogue Caye: Rumored to own Grand Bogue Caye, a 314-acre island off the coast of Belize, featuring pristine beaches and marine life, reportedly purchased for over $25 million.
Planes and Automobiles
Gates is known for his discerning taste in transportation. He appeared to own two Gulfstream G650ERs as of 2023, registered in Washington State to Mente, LLC, and also owns two Bombardier Challenger 350s through Net Jets.
An avid car enthusiast, Gates has long been a fan of Porsche automobiles. His collection includes a Porsche 911, a Porsche 930 Turbo, and a Porsche 959. More recently, he acquired a fully electric Porsche Taycan.
Collectibles
Beyond traditional investments, Gates has a remarkable collection of valuable collectibles.
The Codex Leicester displayed in a museum setting
- Codex Leicester: In 1994, Gates purchased the Codex Leicester, a Leonardo Da Vinci manuscript, for $30.8 million at auction. This invaluable work contains many of Da Vinci’s scientific discoveries and observations.
- Art Collection: His art collection includes Andrew Wyeth’s “Distant Thunder,” Winslow Homer’s “Lost on The Grand Banks,” George Bellow’s “Polo Crowd,” William Merritt Chase’s “The Nursery,” and Frederick Childe Hassam’s “Room of Flowers.”
Philanthropic Endeavors
Bill Gates is also recognized for his commitment to philanthropy. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest charitable foundations globally, held $75.2 billion in assets in 2023. The foundation has made total grant payments of $77.6 billion since its inception. Gates has contributed more than $59.5 billion to the foundation and encourages other billionaires to donate to charitable causes through The Giving Pledge.
Final Thoughts
Bill Gates’ wealth is distributed across diverse assets, from technology stocks to real estate, luxury vehicles, and rare collectibles. While his investment strategies ensure continued growth, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are his most significant contribution, leaving a lasting impact on global issues.
