Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen dies at 65

paul allen microsoft vulcan inc

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has died after a long batter with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was 65.

Allen was a childhood friend of Bill Gates, and the two of them founded Microsoft back in 1975.

Though Allen left Microsoft in 1983, his contributions to personal computer technology were revolutionary, and many consider him a great visionary for his investments and donations over the years.

He founded multiple research companies for science, biology and technology, including Vulcan Inc. which confirmed Allen’s passing in an official statement.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our founder Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft and noted technologist, philanthropist, community builder, conservationist, musician and supporter of the arts,” the company said.

Many celebrities and admirers took to Twitter to express their sadness at the news.

Though Bill Gates has not made any public comments on his blog or social media sites, he did give a statement in the Washington Post calling Allen his “oldest and dearest friend”.

“From our early days together at Lakeside School, through our partnership in the creation of Microsoft, to some of our joint philanthropic projects over the years, Paul was a true partner and dear friend. Personal computing would not have existed without him,” Gates said.

Feature image: supplied, David Patton/Vulcan Inc

Shereesa Moodley
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