What will happen to Bill Gates' fortune when he dies?
History suggests that being a tech wizard is the quickest way to the Forbes rich list, but some billionaires are more bothered about leaving a legacy when they are gone than splashing their cash when they're still here.
Bill Gates is certainly one such example.
The 69-year-old founded the computer giant Microsoft with his childhood friend Paul Allen way back in 1975.
At the time of writing, Gates is 15th on Forbes' rich list, with an eye-watering net worth of $107 billion (£85bn), with fellow company founders Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg currently standing on the medal podium.
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Interestingly, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is actually ahead of his old boss on the list, looking down on the computer genius from the lofty heights of tenth place.
But what will happen to all that money once Gates is no longer here to enjoy it?
After business partner and Seattle Seahawks owner Paul Allen passed away in October 2018, Gates may well have put a lot of thought into where his wealth will go when he passes on.
Will Bill Gates' kids inherit his fortune?
Although he's just 69 years old, and will no doubt be hoping to prolong his time on this Earth, the minted magnate has already made it clear that his three children, Jennifer (28) Phoebe (22) and Rory (25) will have to find their own way when he's gone.
It seems unlikely that they will ever go hungry though, with Bill revealing in a 2017 Reddit Ask Me Anything thread they would receive a mere $10 million to live off. How will they cope?
Gates clearly doesn't want to contribute to the ever-increasing numbers of nepo babies, while his ex-wife Melinda has already claimed her share after taking a reported $76 billion in the 2021 divorce - the highest in history.
Jeff Bezos' former partner MacKenzie Scott claimed a measly $45.3 billion by comparison.
Where will Bill Gates' money go when he dies?
The charity which was set up by Gates and his ex-wife - Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, looks set to be the biggest beneficiary when he passes on.
Since the foundation was set up in 2000, it has worked to enhance healthcare and reduce poverty around the world, whilst expanding educational opportunities in the US.
It seems clear that the philanthropist is determined to keep helping people wherever he can when he is gone, vowing on X in 2022 that he is planning to give away 'virtually all' of his fortune. Great news for anyone who will benefit from his charity in the future.
But - if you're reading this Bill and are feeling in a charitable mood, drop me a text.
Topics: Bill Gates, Microsoft
The LADbible Team