Steve Ballmer Biography: Steven Anthony Ballmer, born on March 24, 1956, is an American businessman and investor best known for serving as the CEO of Microsoft from 2000 to 2014. He is currently the owner of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers and co-founder of the Ballmer Group, a philanthropic investment organization. As of March 5, 2025, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index estimated Ballmer’s net worth at approximately $136 billion, ranking him as the tenth-richest person in the world. Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires List placed him twelfth with an estimated net worth of $117.8 billion. Ballmer began his career at Microsoft in 1980 after being hired by Bill Gates, leaving Stanford’s MBA program to join the company. He rose through the ranks, becoming president in 1998 and taking over as CEO from Gates in January 2000.
Steve Ballmer Biography
After finishing high school, Steve Ballmer enrolled at Harvard University, where he studied mathematics. During his time there, he met Bill Gates, and although Gates eventually left Harvard to focus on his business ventures, the two maintained a close friendship. Ballmer graduated in 1978 and went on to work as a product manager at Procter & Gamble. He briefly attended Stanford Business School but left the program in 1980 after being invited by Gates and Paul Allen to join their then-fledgling software company, Microsoft, which they had founded six years earlier. Following Paul Allen’s departure from the company due to health issues, Ballmer was promoted to Vice President of Sales. He quickly proved himself as a skilled sales strategist with strong business instincts, helping to drive Microsoft’s growth. A key milestone came when Microsoft sold its MS-DOS operating system.
Steve Ballmer Biography 2025 Details
| Born | Steven Anthony Ballmer
March 24, 1956 (age 69) Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Education | Harvard University (BA)
Stanford University (dropped out) |
| Occupations | Businessman
investor |
| Known for | Former CEO of Microsoft Co-founder of Ballmer Group Owner of the Los Angeles Clippers |
| Spouse | Connie Snyder
(m. 1990) |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Gilda Radner (2nd cousin) |
| Category | Business Man Biography |
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About Steve Ballmer
Steven Anthony Ballmer is an American businessman and investor who served as chief executive officer of Microsoft from 2000 to 2014. He is the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association. He is a co-founder of Ballmer Group, a philanthropic investment company.
Steve Ballmer Wiki
- Born: 24 March 1956 (age 69 years), Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Net worth: 11,670 crores USD (2025) Forbes
- Education: Harvard University (1977) ·
- Spouse: Connie Snyder (m. 1990)
- Children: Sam Ballmer, Aaron Ballmer, Peter Ballmer
- Height: 96 m
- Parents: Frederic Henry Ballmer, Beatrice Dworkin
Early Life and Education
Steve Ballmer was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Beatrice Dworkin and Frederic Henry Ballmer, a Swiss-born manager at Ford Motor Company. His father emigrated from Zuchwil, Switzerland, to the U.S. in 1948. Ballmer is also a second cousin of actress and comedian Gilda Radner on his mother’s side.
He was raised in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and spent several years living in Brussels from 1964 to 1967, where he attended the International School of Brussels. In 1973, he took part in college prep and engineering courses at Lawrence Technological University. Ballmer graduated as valedictorian from Detroit Country Day School with a near-perfect 790 score on the math portion of the SAT and was recognized as a National Merit Scholar.
How does Steve Ballmer spend his money?
Steve Ballmer’s most high-profile purchase to date is undoubtedly his acquisition of the LA Clippers in 2014, shortly after stepping down from his role at Microsoft. The purchase made waves not only because of the price tag but also because Ballmer himself never envisioned owning an NBA team. Reflecting on the moment, he once joked, “Of course not. Who the heck ever thinks you’re going to get enough money to own a basketball team?” His transition from tech executive to NBA owner is a striking example of how life can take unexpected turns.
Despite his immense wealth, Ballmer is not known for extravagant spending on luxury cars or other high-end goods. Instead, he maintains a relatively modest lifestyle when it comes to personal indulgences. A loyal Ford enthusiast, Ballmer’s connection to the company runs deep—his father worked for Ford for many years in Detroit.
History with Microsoft
Steve Ballmer joined Microsoft on June 11, 1980, becoming the company’s 30th employee and its first business manager hired by Bill Gates. Initially, Ballmer was offered a $50,000 salary along with 10% of the profits he generated, though he didn’t receive any equity. As Microsoft expanded, the profit-sharing agreement became increasingly unsustainable. Venture capitalist Dave Marquardt recommended restructuring Microsoft as a corporation and proposed giving Ballmer an 8% equity stake in place of his profit-sharing deal.
Although Paul Allen initially resisted the idea, he and Gates eventually reached a compromise, with Gates agreeing to fund the majority of Ballmer’s share. When Microsoft incorporated in 1981, Ballmer officially held 8% of the company. In 2003, Ballmer sold 39.3 million shares of Microsoft stock, earning approximately $955 million and reducing his stake to 4%.
Personal life
Steve Ballmer married philanthropist Connie Snyder in 1990, and together they have three sons. The Ballmer family primarily resides in Hunts Point, Washington. In addition to their main residence, they own several properties in the Seattle area and, as of 2024, hold a total of 10 properties near Coupeville, Washington.
Steve Ballmer’s Net Worth 2025
Steve Ballmer’s Net Worth 11,670 crores USD
FAQs
What was Steve Ballmer’s role before becoming Microsoft CEO?
Before becoming CEO, Steve Ballmer served in various leadership roles at Microsoft, including Executive Vice President for Sales and Support, and was instrumental in the development of the .NET Framework.
How did Steve Ballmer acquire his Microsoft shares?
Ballmer initially had a profit-sharing deal, but it was later converted into an 8% equity stake when Microsoft incorporated in 1981, following a proposal to reorganize the company.
When did Steve Ballmer sell part of his Microsoft stock?
In 2003, Steve Ballmer sold 39.3 million shares of Microsoft stock for around $955 million, reducing his ownership in the company to 4%.
What car does Steve Ballmer drive?
Despite his immense wealth, Ballmer has been known to drive a Ford Fusion hybrid, reflecting his loyalty to the Ford brand due to his family’s history with the company.
Where does Steve Ballmer live?
Steve Ballmer primarily resides in Hunts Point, Washington, and owns several properties in the Seattle area, including multiple homes near Coupeville.
What was Steve Ballmer’s first job before joining Microsoft?
Before joining Microsoft, Steve Ballmer worked as a product manager at Procter & Gamble after graduating from Harvard University.