Melinda French Gates

Founder, Pivotal Ventures

$30.18B

$79.6M (0.3%)

as of 04/01/25

About Melinda French Gates

Melinda French Gates is one of the most powerful women in philanthropy. In June 2024, she resigned as co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation after a nearly 24-year run.

French Gates did not give a reason for leaving the Gates Foundation; however, Bill and Melinda Gates divorced in 2021.

Forbes estimates her settlement from the 2021 divorce was $25 billion.

French Gates has doubled down on her previous commitment to support women's and girls' rights, announcing in May 2024 a $1 billion donation over 3 years to the cause.

French Gates also aims to close the funding gap for female founders through her investing, advocacy and philanthropic firm Pivotal Ventures.

Personal stats

Citizenship

United States of America

Source of wealth

Microsoft

Residence

Seattle, Washington

Marital status

Divorced

Birth date

08/15/64 (age 60)

Number of children

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Duke University; Master of Business Administration, Fuqua School of Business

Self-made

inherited