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Bill Gates, once the world’s richest man, has seen his net worth drop by a staggering $51 billion in just days, according to the Bloomberg Billionaire Index. The sharp decline comes as he ramps up his philanthropic efforts and follows through on his long-standing pledge to give away most of his fortune.
Gates’ net worth has fallen from $175 billion earlier this month to $124 billion, pushing him down to 12th place on the global rich list. Surpassing him is his former Microsoft colleague, Steve Ballmer, who now holds the 5th spot with an estimated net worth of $173 billion. At the top remains Elon Musk, with a staggering $360 billion.
“I Won’t Die Rich,” Gates Says
The dramatic drop in Gates’ wealth isn’t tied to business losses but rather to his commitment to philanthropy. In May, he reiterated his plan to donate 99% of his wealth within the next 20 years. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which he co-founded in 2000, is set to wind down operations by December 31, 2045.
“People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ will not be one of them,” Gates shared in a blog post.
“There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people.”
He explained that his decision was deeply influenced by seeing the tangible impact of his foundation—especially in delivering vaccines to prevent treatable diseases like pneumonia and diarrhea, which continue to claim lives in low-income countries. His increased giving also comes at a time when foreign aid from the U.S. and Europe is declining, amid ongoing global conflicts.
Despite his shrinking fortune, Gates remains one of the world’s most generous philanthropists. The Gates Foundation has already distributed more than $100 billion to various causes including global health, education, and poverty alleviation, making it one of the largest and most influential charitable organizations in the world.
As of the latest estimate, Gates’ net worth has dipped slightly further, now sitting at approximately $123 billion—still substantial, but a clear sign that he’s serious about giving it all away.
