Age: 54
Fortune: Self made
Source: Microsoft, investments
Net Worth: $18.0 bil
Country Of Citizenship: United States
Residence: Mercer Island, Washington , United States, North America
Industry: Software
Marital Status: Single,
Education: Washington State University, Drop Out
Former Microsoft geek added considerable luster to jock credentials when his NFL Seattle Seahawks went to the Super Bowl in 2006; this year made it to the second round of the playoffs. Hoops proving less rewarding: Underperforming Portland Trail Blazers losing Allen millions. Recently abandoned efforts to sell NBA franchise. Losing ground on World's Billionaires rankings, but should have ranked lower all along: Our previous net worth estimates failed to account for high levels of debt, other investment losses following burst of tech bubble.
Teamed up with high school friend Bill Gates 1975 to start computer company. Left Microsoft after bout with Hodgkin's disease 1983; retained more than a quarter of company's stock. Selling ever since. Invests proceeds through personal holding company Vulcan Inc.; owns dozens of stakes in media, technology, biotech. Also oil: bought energy outfit Plains Resources for $460 million 2004.
Along with founding partners Jeffrey Katzenberg, David Geffen and Steven Spielberg made a few hundred million selling off DreamWorks. Remains chairman of onetime cable darling Charter Communications. Devotes majority of time to philanthropy (medicine, education), socializing. Toys include Octopus, a 413-foot yacht that contains 2 helicopters and a 60-foot submarine; large collection of vintage military aircraft.
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