Ballmer's wealth has increased this year due to the artificial intelligence boom, which has boosted Microsoft's stock. Unlike others on Bloomberg's rich list, Ballmer's wealth is not from a company he founded or currently runs. If he surpasses Gates, who has diversified his wealth and donated large sums to charity, it would be a rare case of an employee becoming richer than the company's founder.
Key takeaways:
- Steve Ballmer, Bill Gates' ex-assistant, could soon overtake Gates in wealth with his estimated $115 billion fortune.
- Ballmer's wealth has grown by an estimated $29 billion this year, ranking him fifth on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
- His wealth is largely due to the contract he negotiated when he first joined Microsoft in 1980, which later swapped for a significant equity stake.
- Unlike other top 10 wealthiest people on Bloomberg's rich list, Ballmer isn't a founder or current CEO of the company that contributes to his wealth.