Father Didn’t Let Me Leave College to Start Firm: Gates’ Daughter
It’s no secret that Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, dropped out of Harvard University to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. However, his daughter Phoebe Gates has revealed that her father was not keen on her following in his footsteps and leaving college to start a business. In an interview, Phoebe spoke about how her parents, Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, encouraged her to finish her degree and not drop out like her father did.
Phoebe, who graduated from Stanford University last year with a degree in human biology, said that her parents were steadfast in their stance. “My parents…were…like, ‘You need to finish your degree, you don’t just get to drop out and do a company’,” she said. Phoebe’s comments provide a glimpse into the differing parenting styles of the world’s richest man and his wife, who are known for their philanthropic efforts and support for education.
Bill Gates, who is now 66 years old, dropped out of Harvard in 1975 to focus on his fledgling software company, Microsoft. The company’s success catapulted Gates to international fame and made him one of the richest people in the world. However, his decision to drop out of college has been a subject of debate, with some arguing that it was a reckless move that could have jeopardized his future.
Phoebe’s comments suggest that her parents were keen to ensure that she had a solid education before pursuing a business venture. While it’s understandable that they would want to protect her from the risks associated with entrepreneurship, it’s also possible that they were trying to instill a sense of discipline and responsibility in her.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of young entrepreneurs dropping out of college to pursue their business ideas. While some have been successful, many others have failed or struggled to make a profit. Phoebe’s decision to finish her degree and then start a business may have been influenced by her parents’ guidance and encouragement.
Phoebe has not revealed what kind of business she plans to start, but it’s likely that her parents will continue to play a role in her entrepreneurial journey. As one of the most influential people in the world, Bill Gates has a wealth of experience and expertise that he can share with his daughter.
In conclusion, Phoebe Gates’ comments provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Gates family and the differing parenting styles of Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates. While Bill Gates dropped out of college to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams, his daughter has chosen to finish her degree and then start a business. It will be interesting to see what kind of business Phoebe starts and how her parents will continue to support her in her entrepreneurial journey.
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