Allen quit from day-to-day work at Microsoft in early 1983 after a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, remaining on its board as vice-chairman. He and his sister, Jody Allen, founded Vulcan Inc. in 1986, a privately held company that managed his business and philanthropic efforts. At the time of his death, he had a multi-billion dollar investment portfolio, including technology and media companies, scientific research, real estate holdings, private space flight ventures and stakes in other sectors. He owned the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association, and was part-owner of the Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer. Under the Allen Estate's helm, the Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII, LX, and made it to two other Super Bowls (XLIX, XL). In 2000 he resigned from his position on Microsoft's board and assumed the post of senior strategy advisor to the company's management team.
Life and Career
Allen founded the Allen Institutes for Brain Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Cell Science, as well as companies like Stratolaunch Systems and Apex Learning. He gave more than $2 billion to causes such as education, wildlife and environmental conservation, the arts, healthcare and community services. In 2004, he funded the first crewed private spaceplane with SpaceShipOne. He received numerous awards and honors and was listed among the Time 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2007 and 2008.
Allen was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2009. He died of septic shock related to cancer on October 15, 2018, at the age of 65. Shortly after his death, in April 2019, the Allen-funded Stratolaunch first flew and became the largest aircraft in history by wingspan.
Key Facts
- Born: January 21, 1953 in Seattle, Washington, U.S.
- Died: 2018
- Field: Business
Legacy and Impact
The influence of Paul Allen extends far beyond his own lifetime. He fundamentally shaped industry and the global economy, and his enterprises and business innovations remain foundational to this day.
Though he passed away in 2018, his ideas continue to be studied, debated, and built upon by scholars and practitioners worldwide.
Paul Allen remains one of the most celebrated minds to emerge from United States, a testament to the rich intellectual heritage of the region.
Notable Geniuses from United States
United States has produced many remarkable minds. Alongside Paul Allen:
View all geniuses from United States →
Discover more brilliant minds in Business
Explore Business GeniusesRelated Articles
Explore More
Read the full profile of Paul Allen
View Paul Allen's Profile →