Paul Allen

Paul Allen
Born	(1953-01-21) 21 January 1953 Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Died	15 October 2018(2018-10-15) (aged 65)
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, software developer, investor
Known for	Co-founder of Microsoft Corporation

Paul Gardner Allen (January 21, 1953 – October 15, 2018) was a prominent American entrepreneur, software developer, and investor. In 1975, he partnered with his childhood companion Bill Gates to establish Microsoft Corporation, a move that significantly influenced the microcomputer revolution throughout the 1970s and 1980s. At the time of his passing, Allen was listed among the wealthiest individuals in the United States, with an estimated net worth of $20.3 billion.

Following a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, Allen stepped away from his daily responsibilities at Microsoft in 1983 but maintained his role as vice-chairman on the company's board. In 1986, he collaborated with his sister Jody Allen to create Vulcan Inc., a private enterprise overseeing his commercial and philanthropic interests. His extensive portfolio spanned multiple sectors including technology, media, scientific inquiry, real estate, private aerospace ventures, and professional sports teams. He owned the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and Portland Trail Blazers (NBA), and held a partial stake in the Seattle Sounders FC (MLS). Under his ownership, the Seahawks secured victory in Super Bowl XLVIII and competed in two additional Super Bowls (XL and XLIX). In 2000, Allen stepped down from Microsoft's board to assume the position of senior strategy advisor.

Allen established several influential research institutions such as the Allen Institutes for Brain Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Cell Science. His entrepreneurial efforts included founding companies like Stratolaunch Systems and Apex Learning. Throughout his life, he contributed over $2 billion toward education, environmental conservation, the arts, healthcare initiatives, and community development. In 2004, he backed the creation of the first privately piloted spaceplane with SpaceShipOne. Globally acknowledged for his impact, Allen was named among Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in both 2007 and 2008.

After being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2009, Allen passed away at age 65 due to cancer-related septic shock. Shortly following his death, in April 2019, Stratolaunch’s aircraft—funded by Allen—achieved its inaugural flight, setting a record as the largest plane by wingspan ever built.

Early life

Born on January 21, 1953, in Seattle, Washington, Allen was the son of Kenneth Sam Allen, a librarian, and Edna Faye (née Gardner) Allen, who worked as a fourth-grade teacher. Between 1965 and 1971, he attended Lakeside School, where he met Bill Gates and cultivated an early passion for computing. They utilized Lakeside’s Teletype terminals along with resources from the University of Washington’s Computer Science Department lab for programming activities until their access was revoked in 1971 due to excessive use.

Together with Ric Weiland and Kent Evans, Gates and Allen formed the Lakeside Programming Club to identify bugs in software developed by Computer Center Corporation, earning additional computer time as a reward. After Evans died in 1972, Gates collaborated with Allen to develop an automated class scheduling system for Lakeside School. Subsequently, they launched Traf-O-Data, producing traffic monitoring devices powered by the Intel 8008 microprocessor. Allen has recounted that their teenage years involved scavenging discarded computer code from dumpsters.

Achieving a perfect score of 1600 on the SAT, Allen enrolled at Washington State University, where he joined the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. After two years of study, he left college to accept a programming position at Honeywell in Boston, near Harvard University where Gates was attending. It was during this period that Allen convinced Gates to drop out of Harvard to co-found what would become Microsoft.

Microsoft

Microsoft was established in 1975 by Allen and Gates in Albuquerque, New Mexico, initially releasing a BASIC interpreter. Their first hire was collaborator Ric Weiland. The name "Micro-Soft," a blend of "microcomputer" and "software," was coined by Allen.

In 1980, Microsoft agreed to provide a disk operating system (DOS) for IBM's debut IBM PC, despite lacking an existing product. Under Allen's leadership, Microsoft purchased QDOS from Seattle Computer Products, which allowed them to secure the DOS contract for IBM PCs—a crucial moment in the company's expansion.

On June 25, 1981, Microsoft was incorporated in Washington as "Microsoft Corporation, Inc." Gates assumed the roles of president and chairman, while Allen became executive vice president and vice chairman. Over time, their working relationship became tense. Allen withdrew from active management in 1982 due to Hodgkin's lymphoma but continued as vice chairman on the board. Gates requested a portion of Allen’s shares to reflect his increased responsibilities; Allen agreed to an initial split of 60–40 favoring Gates, which was later adjusted to 64–36. In 1983, Gates proposed buying out Allen at $5 per share; Allen declined and departed with his shares intact, eventually becoming a billionaire when Microsoft went public owning 25.2% of the company. The two founders later reconciled and donated $2.2 million to their alma mater Lakeside School in 1986.

Allen stepped down from Microsoft's board on November 9, 2000, but continued as a senior strategy advisor. By January 2014, he owned 100 million Microsoft shares.

Financial and technology

• Vulcan Capital serves as the investment division of Allen’s Seattle-based Vulcan Inc., overseeing his personal wealth. In 2013, Vulcan Capital established an office in Palo Alto dedicated to investments in emerging technologies and internet ventures.
• Patents: Allen was granted 43 patents by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
• Apps: He supported startups such as A.R.O., the developer behind the mobile application Saga; SportStream, a social platform for sports enthusiasts; and Fayve, an app focused on content management.
• Interval Research Corporation: Founded in 1992 by Allen alongside David Liddle, this Silicon Valley research lab and incubator produced over 300 patents before closing in 2000. Four of these patents formed the basis of Allen’s 2010 patent infringement lawsuit against companies including AOL, Apple, eBay, Facebook, Google, Netflix, Staples, Yahoo!, and YouTube.
• Ticketmaster: In November 1993, Allen invested more than $325 million to acquire an 80% stake in Ticketmaster. Later in 1997, Home Shopping Network purchased 47.5% of his Ticketmaster shares for $209 million paid in their own stock.
• Charter Communications: Allen gained controlling interest in Charter Communications in 1998. The company declared bankruptcy in 2009, resulting in an estimated loss of $7 billion for Allen. Despite this setback, he maintained a minor stake valued at $535 million as of 2012. Charter’s subsequent acquisition and merger with Time Warner Cable and Spectrum in 2016 elevated it to become the second-largest cable provider in the United States.

Aerospace

Allen was the exclusive financier behind aerospace innovator Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne, a suborbital commercial spacecraft that successfully flew on October 4, 2004. Created through Mojave Aerospace Ventures—a collaboration between Allen and Rutan's firm, Scaled Composites—SpaceShipOne achieved an altitude of 367,442 feet above the Mojave Air and Space Port. It marked the first privately funded vehicle to carry a civilian into suborbital space and secured the $10 million Ansari X Prize.

On December 13, 2011, Allen unveiled Stratolaunch Systems at the Mojave Air and Space Port. This proposed orbital launch platform features a twin-fuselage jet powered by six engines, intended to airlift rockets to high altitudes for orbital deployment. In partnership with Orbital ATK and Scaled Composites, Stratolaunch aimed to offer operational flexibility from multiple locations and conduct between six and ten launches each year. Subsequently, in April 2015, Vulcan Aerospace was launched within Allen’s Vulcan Inc. to promote affordable, on-demand access to space.

The Stratolaunch aircraft completed its inaugural flight on April 13, 2019, ascending to 15,000 feet and reaching speeds of 165 knots during a flight lasting two hours and twenty-nine minutes. This aircraft set the record for the largest wingspan ever built. CEO Jean Floyd dedicated this milestone to Paul Allen’s commitment to fostering innovation.

Despite these advancements, Stratolaunch Systems Corporation halted its operations by May 2019, bringing an end to its ambitious efforts to compete in the dynamic aerospace launch industry.

Real estate

Allen’s Vulcan Real Estate arm specializes in development and asset management, with a significant focus on revitalizing Seattle’s South Lake Union district. The company has developed extensive residential, office, retail, and biotechnology research facilities, with a total development potential of . Vulcan also played a role in supporting the Seattle Streetcar route connecting Westlake Center with Lake Union.

In 2012, The Wall Street Journal characterized Allen’s investment in South Lake Union as "unexpectedly lucrative," emphasizing Vulcan’s sale of an office complex totaling to Amazon.com for $1.16 billion—one of the largest office property deals in Seattle’s history. Allen himself noted that the South Lake Union project "has exceeded my expectations."

Venues

• Sports and event arenas: Allen financed Portland's Moda Center, acquiring it in 2007. Additionally, he invested $130 million toward constructing CenturyLink Field in Seattle.
• Seattle Cinerama: Allen purchased Seattle’s historic Cinerama Theater in 1998 and modernized it by adding 3-D technology, digital audio systems, and installed the world’s first commercial digital laser projector in 2014.
• Hospital Club: Established by Allen in London in 2004 as a creative arts venue, with plans underway for a second branch in Los Angeles.

Portland Trail Blazers

In 1988, Allen acquired the Portland Trail Blazers NBA franchise for $70 million from Larry Weinberg. He was instrumental in both developing and financing the Moda Center, which he purchased in 2007 as part of a strategic initiative for the team. During Allen’s tenure as owner, the Trail Blazers reached the playoffs 19 times, including appearances in the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992. As of 2021, Forbes valued the franchise at $2.09 billion, ranking it 13th among NBA teams.

Seattle Seahawks

In 1997, Allen acquired ownership of the National Football League's Seattle Seahawks from then-owner Ken Behring, who had attempted to move the franchise to southern California the year before. Herman Sarkowsky, a former minority stakeholder, highlighted Allen’s distinctive dedication to retaining the team in Seattle.

Following Allen's financial commitment to stadium enhancements, the Seahawks transitioned to Seahawks Stadium (currently known as Lumen Field) in 2002. Purchased for $200 million in 1997, the franchise's value soared to $1.33 billion by August 2014 according to Forbes, which credited one of the NFL’s most devoted fan communities. Under Allen’s stewardship, the Seahawks made three Super Bowl appearances after capturing NFC Championships in 2005, 2013, and 2014, ultimately winning Super Bowl XLVIII in February 2014.

Seattle Sounders FC

Allen's Vulcan Sports & Entertainment forms part of the ownership consortium for Seattle Sounders FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team established in 2009 that plays at CenturyLink Field, a venue also under Allen’s control. The ownership group features film producer Joe Roth, entrepreneur Adrian Hanauer, and comedian Drew Carey. Throughout their inaugural season, the Sounders achieved sellouts for every home match, establishing an MLS record for average attendance.

Filmmaking

Together with his sister, Jody Allen, Allen co-owned and executive produced projects through Vulcan Productions, a television and film company based in Seattle operating within Vulcan Inc.'s entertainment division. Their productions have garnered prestigious honors such as a Peabody Award, multiple Independent Spirit Awards, Grammys, and Emmys.

The 2014 film We The Economy, produced by Allen’s company, received twelve awards including a Webby award for best Online News & Politics Series. Vulcan Productions’ slate includes titles like Far from Heaven (2002), Hard Candy (2005), Rx for Survival: A Global Health Challenge (2005), Where God Left His Shoes (2006), Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial (2007), This Emotional Life (2010), We The Economy (2014), Racing Extinction (2015), and the Oscar-nominated short documentary Body Team 12 (2015).

In 2013, Vulcan co-produced Girl Rising, a documentary spotlighting girls worldwide striving for education. The film was broadcast to over 205 million households during its CNN premiere and attracted more than 4 million viewers on digital platforms. Its affiliated 10×10 initiative has raised upwards of $2.1 million supporting global girls’ education efforts.

That same year, Vulcan Productions collaborated on Pandora's Promise, a documentary about nuclear energy directed by Oscar-nominated Robert Stone. It premiered on CNN in November 2013 and was followed by screenings at universities and private venues across the country featuring panel discussions.

Philanthropy

Throughout his life, Allen contributed over $2 billion to support advancements in science, technology, education, wildlife preservation, arts, and community programs. The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, co-founded with his sister Jody, managed much of his charitable giving, distributing more than $494 million to over 1,500 nonprofit organizations by 2015. In 2010, Allen joined The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of his wealth. His philanthropic work earned him the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy as well as recognition as Inside Philanthropy's "Philanthropist of the Year".

Science and research

Allen established the Allen Institute for Brain Science in 2003 with an initial $100 million investment and ultimately contributed $500 million. The institute employs a Big Science approach combined with an open science philosophy, offering resources such as the Allen Mouse Brain Atlas and participating in initiatives like the BRAIN Initiative.

Founded in 2014 under Oren Etzioni’s leadership, the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI2) concentrates on AI research and development. Projects include Semantic Scholar and Aristo, with goals such as creating AI systems capable of passing an eighth-grade science test.

In 2014, Allen pledged $100 million to create the Allen Institute for Cell Science, which develops virtual cellular models to facilitate disease research. Similarly, The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, launched in 2016 with another $100 million commitment, funds pioneering bioscience research at cutting-edge frontiers.

Beginning in 2010, Allen initiated the Allen Distinguished Investigators Awards to support early-stage scientific endeavors and contributed $30 million toward constructing SETI's Allen Telescope Array.

Environment and conservation

Allen financed a $7 million census of African elephant populations that exposed rapid declines. He donated $2.6 million to support the University of British Columbia’s Sea Around Us Project aimed at curbing illegal fishing and backed the Global FinPrint program focused on shark and ray conservation.

He advocated for Washington State legislation banning trade in products derived from endangered species; this law was enacted in 2015. Collaborating with USDOT, Vulcan Inc., under Allen’s direction, co-initiated the Smart City Challenge in 2015 by contributing $10 million alongside a $40 million federal investment; Columbus, Ohio was declared the winner.

As part of the International SeaKeepers Society, Allen equipped his megayachts with oceanographic monitoring technology. Additionally, he invested in renewable microgrid projects in Kenya and supported companies like Mawingu Networks and Off Grid Electric that expand solar-powered internet and energy access across Africa.

Ebola

During the 2014 West African Ebola crisis, Allen committed at least $100 million toward relief efforts, becoming its largest private contributor. He launched TackleEbola.org to raise awareness and support groups such as Médecins Sans Frontières and UNICEF. In 2015, he convened leaders at the Ebola Innovation Summit to accelerate solutions that contributed to halting new infections by January 2016. Later that year, his foundation awarded $11 million in grants focused on preventing future outbreaks.

Exploration

Allen sponsored expeditions recovering historical artifacts like HMS Hood’s bell in 2015. He funded and acquired ownership of the research vessel RV Petrel, which discovered significant World War II wrecks including Japanese battleship Musashi, USS Indianapolis, USS Ward, USS Lexington, and USS Juneau between 2015 and 2018.

Museums and community institutions

Allen founded multiple nonprofit organizations displaying his collections:

• Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), dedicated to popular culture located in Seattle
• Flying Heritage Collection, showcasing restored vintage military aircraft
• STARTUP Gallery at New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
• Living Computers: Museum + Labs, featuring operational vintage computers designed for interactive experiences

Art

A passionate collector who donated over $100 million toward arts philanthropy, Allen received the Eli and Edythe Broad Award for Philanthropy in the Arts in 2012. He loaned hundreds of artworks worldwide and set auction records such as selling Barnett Newman’s Onement VI for $43.8 million. In 2015 he founded the Seattle Art Fair attracting leading galleries globally. Additionally, he launched Upstream Music Fest + Summit in 2017 to showcase Seattle musicians; this event was paused following his death.

In November 2022, Allen’s art collection sold at Christie's New York for more than $1.5 billion—the largest art auction ever recorded—featuring works by Seurat, Cézanne, van Gogh, Klimt, Botticelli, Warhol among others. The proceeds supported undisclosed philanthropic initiatives.

Education

Allen made significant donations supporting educational institutions:

• In 1989 he gave $2 million toward University of Washington’s Allen Library (named after his father) plus an $8 million endowment
• In 2002 he contributed $14 million for UW's Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science and Engineering
• In 2010 he donated $26 million establishing the Paul G. Allen School of Global Animal Health at Washington State University
• In 2016 he pledged up to $20 million over eight years funding Allen Discovery Centers at Tufts University and Stanford University focusing on morphogenetic code research
• In 2017 he gave $40 million (with an additional $10 million from Microsoft) leading UW’s Computer Science department to be renamed Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering

Personal life

While interested early on in relationships and family life, Allen never married nor had children. Later described as somewhat reclusive, he owned notable properties including Rock Hudson's Los Angeles estate which housed a recording studio.

Music

Influenced by Jimi Hendrix from age sixteen onward, Allen was an accomplished guitarist who released albums like Everywhere at Once with Paul Allen and the Underthinkers via Sony Legacy Recordings in 2013. Quincy Jones lauded his musical abilities as comparable to Hendrix.

Yachting

Allen’s flagship yacht Octopus, launched in 2003 measuring 414 feet—ranking as one of the world’s largest—featured amenities such as helicopters, a submarine, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), a swimming pool, music studio, and basketball court. It hosted celebrity events including performances by Usher and Dave Stewart. The vessel also supported search missions for missing individuals as well as marine scientific studies. After Allen passed away in 2018, Octopus underwent refitting before being listed for sale at $325 million.

He also owned Tatoosh, another among the largest yachts globally; it caused coral reef damage near Cayman Islands in 2016 but was subject to a restoration plan funded by Vulcan Inc.

Idea Man

Released in 2011 by Portfolio/Penguin, Allen’s memoir titled Idea Man recounts his early fascination with computing leading up to Microsoft’s founding alongside Bill Gates as well as his ventures after Microsoft including SpaceShipOne development and sports franchise ownership. The book appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list.

Death

After being diagnosed with Stage I-A Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1982—which was successfully treated—and later non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2009 (also treated), Allen’s cancer recurred in 2018 resulting in his death from septic shock on October 15 at age 65. His sister Jody assumed responsibility as executor of his estate.

As a tribute on November 3, 2018 Seattle landmarks such as the Space Needle were illuminated blue. Bill Gates commemorated him emphasizing his profound contributions to technology innovation and philanthropy.

Awards and recognition

Allen earned numerous honors spanning technology innovation, philanthropy, sports leadership, and arts patronage including:

• Collier Trophy (2004) awarded for SpaceShipOne
• National Air and Space Museum Trophy (2005)
• Time magazine's list of Most Influential People (2007 & 2008)
• National Cable & Telecommunications Association Vanguard Award (2008)
• Oregon Sports Award (2009)
• Krieg Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing neuroscience contributions (2010)
• Seattle Sports Commission Sports Citizen of the Year Award renamed Paul Allen Award (2011)
• Election into American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2011)
• Eli and Edythe Broad Award honoring philanthropy in arts (2012)
• Super Bowl ring earned as owner of Seattle Seahawks (2014)
• Lifetime Achievement Award from Seattle Business magazine (2014)
• Inside Philanthropy's "Philanthropist of the Year" designation (2014)
• Induction into International Space Hall of Fame (2014)
• Ischia Humanitarian Award recipient (2015)
• Andrew Carnegie Medal recognizing philanthropic impact (2015)
• Champion for Global Health Award acknowledging Ebola relief efforts (2015)
• MLS Cup winner status as co-owner of Seattle Sounders FC (2016)
• Posthumous Philip J. Klass Award for Lifetime Achievement from Aviation Week & Space Technology (2019)
• Posthumous induction into Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor (2019)

Honorary degrees

He received honorary doctorates from Washington State University recognizing him as Regents' Distinguished Alumnus; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University awarding Philosophy degree; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s Watson School conferring Science degree; plus École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.

See also

• Altair 8800
• Black Sky: The Race for Space, documentary covering Allen’s space ventures
• Open Letter to Hobbyists
• Pirates of Silicon Valley, dramatization depicting early history of personal computing