Latest news with #BillGates
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Who is Paula Hurd, Bill Gates's girlfriend? Net worth, career, and the life she built
Paula Hurd and Bill Gates have attended various elite gatherings, including Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's engagement party in August 2023 The woman everyone's curious about ever since she stepped into the spotlight as Bill Gates's girlfriend. But here's the thing: she's way more than just a billionaire's plus one. From climbing the corporate ladder to championing philanthropy and quietly shaping the tennis world, Paula has lived a life packed with purpose, love, and resilience. Born on April 27, 1962, Paula Kalupa (that's her maiden name) grew up far from the tech headlines and paparazzi cameras. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin back in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Her professional journey kicked off at NCR Corporation, a big player in tech and finance. She spent nearly two decades there, working her way up in sales and alliance management. It was a grind—but it paid off. Paula wasn't just a corporate employee, she became a key player, leading big deals and strategic partnerships. But career success is only one chapter of her story. In 1990, she married Mark Hurd, the man who would go on to lead both Hewlett-Packard and Oracle as CEO. The two were a power couple in every sense. Together, they raised two daughters, Kathryn and Kelly— Kathryn's an investigative journalist and Kelly once worked with Visa. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Run Your Business Like a Pro - Top Trending Accounting Software (Check Now) Accounting ERP Click Here Undo In 2019, Mark passed away after a battle with cancer, as per reorts. Paula was left a widow—but instead of retreating from public life, she leaned into the things that mattered most to them both: family, philanthropy, and purpose. She continued her work through Hurd Family Investments (also known as MPH Investments), helping manage portfolios and creating large-scale charitable events. But what really lights her up is tennis. Paula currently chairs the Universal Tennis Foundation, where she works to support student-athletes and wheelchair tennis players. Her love for the sport runs deep—so deep, in fact, that it played a surprising role in the next chapter of her life. Enter Bill Gates. The two were first spotted together at tennis tournaments like the BNP Paribas Open and Indian Wells in 2021. Rumors started to swirl, but it wasn't until early 2023 that the relationship was officially confirmed. And then, in February 2025, Gates said it out loud during an interview on The Today Show: 'I'm lucky to have a serious girlfriend named Paula. We're having fun, going to the Olympics…' The world took notice. But here's what most people miss—Paula didn't suddenly become influential because she started dating one of the richest men on the planet. She was already making big moves. She and her late husband donated $7 million to Baylor University (their alma mater), funding everything from basketball pavilions to the flashy new welcome center that opened in 2023. She's been a quiet but impactful force in the education and nonprofit world. Paula Hurd net worth As per reports, her net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $35 million, with many sources pegging it closer to $35 million. Some estimates go up to $50 million, though the $35M figure is most consistently cited. A good chunk of this wealth comes from her tech sales career and smart investments. The rest? Likely inherited from Mark Hurd, whose own net worth at the time of his death was estimated between $150 and $500 million. Now, Paula lives a relatively low-key life considering who she's dating. She's not chasing clout, not flooding your social feeds, and she's certainly not hopping on talk shows. Instead, she's seen courtside at tennis matches, showing up at philanthropic events, and occasionally walking into high-society functions next to Bill Gates—often in understated, elegant style.
Telegraph
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Pictured: Lauren Sanchez marries Jeff Bezos in Dolce and Gabbana couture gown
Lauren Sánchez married Jeff Bezos on Friday in a Dolce & Gabbana gown in front of guests including Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, most of the Kardashians, a strong contingent of Trump-Kushners and Queen Rania of Jordan. The figure-hugging lace creation was inspired by the one Sophia Loren wore in the 1958 film Houseboat. The bride told Vogue: 'It went from 'I want a simple, sexy modern dress' to 'I want something that evokes a moment,' and where I am right now. It is a departure from what people expect…but it's very much me.' It seemed fitting that Dolce & Gabbana would have some part in the high-profile affair. It is the ultimate Italian 'dolce vita' label, and this wedding is in Venice after all. The rumour mill was already in overdrive, but the biggest clue came when Domenico Dolce was spotted amongst the couple's guests on Thursday evening. The Italian duo have form when it comes to high-profile weddings: Lady Kitty Spencer's in 2021 and Kourtney Kardashian's in 2022 were practically Dolce & Gabbana-branded events. They do serious glamour, they do couture, they do tradition, they're not precious about the celebrities they work with and they can meet the dress codes for the highest profile occasions – Melania Trump's ensemble for the late Pope Francis's funeral, complete with mantilla, is a case in point. The new Mrs Bezos, it's safe to say, has a strong personal aesthetic. After all, this is the woman who wore exposed white lace lingerie to the presidential inauguration in January. Understated isn't in her vocabulary (or so we thought until earlier on Friday, when she travelled to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, where the ceremony took place, in an ivory Dior skirt suit and silk head scarf) And so the wedding dress itself, as you'd hope with an unlimited budget, ticked every box: the dramatic, body-conscious silhouette. The detailing in the lace and tulle veil. The 180 silk chiffon-covered priest buttons, an indication of the visibly intricate craft that comes with an haute couture creation. She has heeded one tradition though: that of wearing white. For modern brides, this is less about one's virginal status, and more about a visual indicator that one is the main attraction at a wedding – Sánchez Bezos has certainly achieved that. This moment concludes weeks of feverish speculation about which label landed the commission of the bride's 'main' wedding dress – the one she wears for the marriage ceremony itself, and which features in the first pictures of the couple as husband and wife. Sánchez Bezos has the privilege of being able to have whatever she wants. Even designers who might otherwise turn away the commission have their price – and with the rumoured help of Anna Wintour (who announced on Thursday that she would be stepping down as editor-in-chief of American Vogue after 37 years) access is all but guaranteed. Also among the runners and riders were Oscar de la Renta and Galia Lahav, as well as long shots Sarah Burton for Givenchy and Jonathan Anderson for Dior (who, incidentally, made his debut for the storied house in Paris while Bezos and Sánchez were saying their vows in Venice). And they may yet have their moment – this is doubtless one of several bridal looks. When you're marrying the world's third richest man, you can have as many couture wedding outfits as you please. Evidently, Mrs B has been having fun assembling a 'dolce vita' wardrobe for the three-day event, choosing an archive 2003 Alexander McQueen dress for dinner on Wednesday, and a gold corseted Schiaparelli couture dress for Thursday's pre-wedding party. According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, she was overheard telling the Kardashians: 'Girls, I'm living a fairytale. I'm on cloud nine in a wonderful city, with the man I love. I couldn't be happier.' The bride and groom's beaming smiles on Friday speak volumes. All the same, sustaining the limelight in such high-profile company is an art – and the new Mrs Bezos has proved herself to be a master.
News.com.au
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Jeff Bezos marries Lauren Sánchez in over-the-top wedding in Italy
Billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos married Lauren Sánchez in Venice, Italy, in an over-the-top wedding that the newlyweds have been celebrating for several days — even though they were already legally married. On Friday evening, a tuxedo-clad Bezos, 61, and Sánchez, 55, exchanged vows on the San Giorgio Maggiore island in front of a barrage of star-studded guests including several Trumps, a couple Kardashians, a few Jenners, Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bill Gates, Barbra Streisand and Orlando Bloom — sans Katy Perry, Page Six reports. Attendees were reportedly greeted by the sounds of a gospel choir, which broke out into Whitney Houston's 'Higher Love' during the ceremony. Family and friends cheered and whistled for the Mr. and Mrs., who sealed their marriage with a kiss. The ceremony is expected to be followed by an extravagant reception that will spare no expense. In fact, Page Six was told that the couple's three-day wedding weekend, which was organised by George and Amal Clooney's wedding planners, will cost an estimated $50 million. 'It's going to be perfect — everything they wanted and with everyone they love,' our source predicted last month. The pair reportedly sourced almost all of their wedding goods from Venetian vendors, turning to the city's oldest pastry maker, Rosa Salva, and Murano glass blower Laguna B. Before their big day, Bezos and the former news anchor — who rented out the entire Aman Venice hotel for their stay — geared up with an opulent welcome party at the Madonna dell'Orto church that ended early because of a thunderstorm. They also hosted a pre-wedding foam party aboard his $500 million megayacht, Koru. As Page Six previously reported, Bezos and Sánchez quietly donated to a number of local charities in Venice as part of their wedding planning process. The revelation came about after protesters gathered all over the City of Canals to criticise the business magnate, arguing, 'If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax.' Bezos proposed to Sánchez aboard Koru in May 2023 after five years together. The duo began dating in 2019; however, they avoided being seen together publicly until after their respective divorces were finalised. Sánchez was previously married to Patrick Whitesell, with whom she shares son Evan, 19, and daughter Eleanor, 17. She is also mum to son Nikko, 24, whose father is Tony Gonzalez. Meanwhile, Bezos shares three sons and one daughter with his ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott.
Pink Villa
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sanchez Wedding Guests: Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio with GF Vittoria Ceretti Dress Chic For Nuptials, PICS
With a net worth of over USD 220 billion and rising, Jeff Bezos knows how to throw a party. So when it comes to his wedding, we expect nothing less from the businessman who is all set to exchange vows with his lady love on June 27. A lavish affair in Venice, here's who we spotted taking a water taxi to the grand venue, dressed in style, including the Kardashian-Jenners, Bill Gates, alongside the bride and the groom. Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sanchez Wedding Guests Following a welcome party that was said to have been washed out by a thunderstorm, the invitees of what is one of the most anticipated nuptials of the year are out and about for the second day. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are set to be married on this day, and their friends and associates stepped out to support them for a new start. It is known that Bill Gates would be one of the many attendees, including US footballer Tom Brady, Sam Altman, Usher with wife Jennifer Goicoechea, Oprah Winfrey, singer Ellie Gounglding, model Brooks Nader, Queen Rania Al-Yasin of Jordan, Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble, and more, who were also spotted. Actor Orlando Bloom is all set to make a solo appearance after his recent split from Katy Perry, and was spotted getting cozy with a mysterious woman previously. First and foremost, the bride and the groom were spotted leaving to go to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore on the boats. They were snapped waving to tourists, locals, fellow guests, paparazzi, and other onlookers while on their way to get married. The couple's friends followed suit with Leonardo DiCaprio and girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti making another loved-up appearance. The Wolf of the Wall Street actor sought to keep it low-key once again, shying away from the cameras with a black cap covering his face. However, his tailored suit and lady love in arm could not be missed as she dressed to the nines for the event. Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, acquaintances of the couple, were snapped making their way to the venue after reported issues the previous day. The daughter of Donald Trump and her husband made a beeline for stepping into the vehicle to drive off to the spot of the wedding. Kim Kardashian and Khloé Kardashian were seen enjoying themselves, waving to the lenses and snapping away selfies on their phones. Dripping in high-end clothing and jewellery, the two sisters added the glitz to the function. Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner were not ones to back down either as the sisters put their most fashionable feet forward. Very on brand witn their styles they chatted away while being ferried to the wedding location.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Bill Gates could have been richer than Elon Musk; find out why that didn't happen
Bill Gates could have become the world's first trillionaire if he had held on to his original Microsoft shares , according to a new analysis by Forbes . Together, he and Melinda French Gates might have amassed a combined fortune of around $1.5 trillion, without selling stock or dedicating large portions of their wealth to philanthropy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Gates alone could have been worth an estimated $1.2 trillion. Back in 1986, when Microsoft went public, Gates owned 11.2 million shares, roughly 49 percent of the company, worth about $200 million at the time. Adjusted for stock splits, that holding would now be about 3.2 billion shares, or 43 percent of Microsoft, valued at approximately $1.4 trillion. With another $100 billion from dividends after tax, his hypothetical net worth would have set a new global record. Instead, Gates chose a different path. He steadily sold off shares and focused on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation . Today, he holds just 0.9 percent of Microsoft, worth around $28 billion. Melinda's current Microsoft stake is valued at about $380,000. This decision reshaped their legacy, from tech billionaires to some of the world's most influential philanthropists. Why Bill Gates donated $60 billion In 2000, according to Dailymotion, Bill and Melinda established the Gates Foundation with initial funding that has grown over the years. Together, they contributed $60.2 billion, directing $47.7 billion toward global health and poverty initiatives. That made them the second-largest philanthropists in US history at that time. Bill's 2010 'Giving Pledge,' co-founded with Warren Buffett, committed him to donate nearly all his wealth to charitable causes. Melinda confirmed that she viewed concentrating wealth as counterproductive, believing in redistributing resources more responsibly, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now What stopped Bill Gates from becoming a trillionaire Forbes estimates Bill's current net worth at about $113 billion and Melinda's at $30.4 billion. These figures still placed them among the global elite, though far from the trillion-dollar mark. By comparison, Elon Musk recently topped out with a net worth near $368 billion, according to Bloomberg. Under the hypothetical scenario, Bill would have far eclipsed that peak, marking a wealth level not seen in human history. Melinda, with her estimated stake, would have entered the top three richest individuals worldwide. What stopped Bill Gates from becoming a trillionaire Why Bill Gates is donating nearly all his wealth by 2045 The central shift began when the Gates Foundation turned into more than just a personal project. It became a formal body focused on health, poverty, education, and equity. The couple poured tens of billions into vaccines, infectious disease prevention, agricultural development, and women's empowerment globally. In recent years, they have made major commitments. Bill pledged to donate nearly 99 percent of his remaining wealth over the next two decades. Melinda launched Pivotal Philanthropies and directed $12.5 billion toward gender issues. Bill also confirmed that the Gates Foundation will wind down by 2045, the planned endpoint for most philanthropic ventures.
