Microsoft Marks 50 Years as a Global Tech Giant
Founded in 1975, Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary with a $2.9 trillion valuation, driven by cloud computing growth and strategic pivots.
- Microsoft was founded in April 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in Albuquerque, New Mexico, initially developing BASIC software for the Altair 8800.
- The company's market capitalization now stands at $2.9 trillion, making it one of the most valuable companies globally, alongside Apple and Nvidia.
- Cloud computing has become a key driver of Microsoft's financial success, with a 22% revenue increase reported between late 2023 and late 2024.
- Major acquisitions, such as LinkedIn in 2016 for $26.2 billion and Activision Blizzard in 2023 for nearly $69 billion, have strengthened Microsoft's portfolio.
- Microsoft's evolution from its early MS-DOS operating system to its current focus on AI and subscription-based services highlights its adaptability and influence in the tech sector.