Bill Gates vs Steve Jobs: Difference and Comparison

In the field of science and technology, two names are very big and common to every household, i.e., Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. The two gentlemen have paved their way toward success with wonderful innovations and inventions.

Because of these inventions it has started the digital revolution in the world, and things have become much easier and luxurious if we compare them to the technologies they have laid forward.

Key Takeaways

  1. Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft Corporation, while Steve Jobs co-founded Apple Inc.
  2. Bill Gates is known for his philanthropic efforts and focus on software development, while Steve Jobs was known for his innovative hardware designs and emphasis on user experience.
  3. Bill Gates stepped down as Microsoft CEO in 2008, while Steve Jobs remained CEO of Apple until shortly before his death in 2011.

Bill Gates vs Steve Jobs

Bill Gates is an American business magnate, software developer, and philanthropist known for his contributions to the development of the PC software industry. Steve Jobs was an American entrepreneur and co-founder of Apple Inc, known for his focus on user experience and his attention to detail.

Bill Gates vs Steve Jobs

Bill Gates is a co-founder of Microsoft Company. Besides being a businessman, he is also an author, software developer, investor, and philanthropist.

He was once one of the wealthiest people in the world. During his career, he held many positions, like CEO, President, Chief Software Architect, and Chairman of the company.

He is the person who is considered to bring about a revolution in the microcomputer industry during the 1970s and 1980s.

Steve Jobs is the co-founder of Apple Inc besides being that, he is also the founder of NeXT, which was a software company in America. He also was on the board of directors of Walt Disney Studios and held a majority of PIXAR shares, which Disney Studios purchased later.

Jobs is considered as the pioneer in starting the revolution of personal computers. Some of the products that Apple Inc manufacture are the Macintosh, iPhone, iPad, iPod, etc.

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These technologies have taken over the world due to their uniqueness and modern evolution.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonBill GatesSteve Jobs
CompaniesBill Gates is the founder of Microsoft, Cascade Entertainment, Terra Power etc.Steve Jobs is the founder of Apple Inc, Pixar, NeXT etc.
Leadership QualityHe is a Democratic person.He is an autocratic person.
ApproachHe has a realistic approach to in investing technologies.He had a futuristic approach to inventing products.
Known forHe is known as the best entrepreneur of microcomputers.He is known as the forerunners of a personal computer.
Net WorthHe had a net worth of US$ 145.8 billion as of May 2021.He had a net worth of US$ 7 billion as of Sept 2011.
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What is Bill Gates?

Bill Gates was born on October 28 in the year 1955, in Seattle, Washington DC, in a wealthy family. He was the brightest student in his class and also excelled in Science and Maths.

His father, Bill Gates Sr., and mother, Mary Maxwell, wanted him to pursue law, and Gates also got himself enrolled in 1973 but dropped the plan to pursue a different career with his friend, Paul Allen.

Paul developed a BASIC interpreter with his friend Allen and successfully collaborated with MIT. Bill Gates first opened his office in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and there Allen named the company Microsoft which was the amalgamation of microcomputers and software.

When the company was opened in 1975, it was not doing well because a copy of codes was leaked and widely distributed. After the 1980s, with the collaboration of IBM, it became very successful, so much so that it grossed US$2.5 million. 

Bill Gates became the CEO of the company at the age of 23. Then it became one of the largest personal computer software companies.

Until 2014, Bill Gates was the chairman and CEO, and then he stepped down and began to devote his time to Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a private charitable company established in the 2000s. 

From the year 1995 to the year 2017, excluding (2010 to 2013), he has been the world’s richest and wealthiest person. He has been the founder of several companies besides being of Microsoft, such as BEN, Cascade Investment, bgC3, and TerraPower.

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bill gates

What is Steve Jobs?

Steve Job was born to Arabian parents on Feb 24, 1955, in San Francisco, California. But he was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs.

His foster parents belonged to a middle-class family. He studied at Reed College and then dropped out in 1972.

He went to India in 1974 in search of enlightenment and studied Zen Buddhism. Then returned to the USA and co-founded the company Apple with Steve Wozniak.

Apple 1 was the first model launched by Jobs and Wozniak of the personal computer series. Then with the launching of Apple 2, the duo gained popularity and wealth.

Apple 2 was one of the most successful microcomputers which had mass production. He also founded Macintosh in the year 1984, which was based on a Graphic User interface(GUI).

Macintosh also gave him a breakthrough and a way to come back to the company after he was kicked out.

Macintosh created havoc in the publishing industry, and then Apple Laser Printers were also launched. While Jobs was away from Apple, he founded another company, NeXT, with other members.

NeXT was a platform of the computer that was specialized in business markets ad higher education. He also developed the visual effects industry.

He also co-founded the PIXAR company, which produced 3D animated cartoons/ films and became major animation studio.

steve jobs

Main Differences Between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs

  1. Bill Gates is the founder of Microsoft, Cascade Entertainment, Terra Power, etc. Besides being a business entrepreneur, he is also a software developer and philanthropist. Steve Jobs is the founder of Apple Inc, Pixar, NeXT, etc. Besides being an entrepreneur, he was also a media proprietor and industrial designer.
  2. Bill Gates is a Democratic person. Whereas Steve Jobs is an autocratic person.
  3. Gates has a realistic approach to investing in technology. Jobs had a futuristic approach to inventing products.
  4. Gates is known as the best entrepreneur of microcomputers. Jobs is known as the forerunner of the personal computer.
  5. Gates had a net worth of US$ 145.8 billion as of May 2021. He was, for many years, the wealthiest person on earth. Jobs had a net worth of US$ 7 billion as of Sept 2011.
References
  1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0258042X13509736
  2. http://dspace.vnbrims.org:13000/jspui/bitstream/123456789/4809/1/Strategy%20Rules%20Five%20Timeless%20Lessons%20from%20Bill%20Gates%2C%20Andy%20Grove%2C%20and%20Steve%20Jobs.pdf

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Chara Yadav
Chara Yadav

Chara Yadav holds MBA in Finance. Her goal is to simplify finance-related topics. She has worked in finance for about 25 years. She has held multiple finance and banking classes for business schools and communities. Read more at her bio page.

23 Comments

  1. The comparison table shows the significant impact both Gates and Jobs have had on the technology industry. From their respective companies to their net worth, their influence is undeniable.

  2. The lasting legacy of Gates and Jobs is evident in their contributions to personal computing and technological evolution. Their work has transformed the modern world.

    • Their impact on technology and society is immeasurable, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

    • Indeed, the revolutionary products and technologies introduced by Gates and Jobs continue to shape the way we live and work.

  3. It’s interesting to see the differences in leadership qualities and approach between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Gates’ realistic approach to technology investment contrasts with Jobs’ futuristic approach to product invention.

    • Absolutely, the distinct leadership qualities of two influential figures have shaped the industry in unique ways.

  4. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, through their groundbreaking work and visionary leadership, have indelibly shaped the technology landscape and enriched the lives of people worldwide.

  5. The immense influence of Gates and Jobs is reflected in their extensive contributions and achievements. Their dedication to excellence and progress continues to be an inspiration to us all.

    • Their far-reaching impact underscores their remarkable legacy, and their contributions continue to shape the future of technology and business.

    • Absolutely, the pioneering work of Gates and Jobs has set the stage for innovation and advancement in technology and beyond.

  6. The remarkable journeys and accomplishments of Gates and Jobs are a testament to their unparalleled impact on technology and business. Their innovative spirit and unwavering commitment continue to inspire.

    • Their enduring influence has set a high standard for technological innovation and entrepreneurial success, leaving an indelible mark in history.

  7. The early careers and achievements of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are truly inspiring. Their dedication and vision have left an indelible mark on the technology world.

    • Both Gates and Jobs have set a high standard for innovation and entrepreneurship, and their impact continues to be felt today.

    • Absolutely, their journey from humble beginnings to becoming industry leaders is a testament to their passion and perseverance.

  8. The groundbreaking contributions of Gates and Jobs have redefined the modern era of technology and business. Their remarkable achievements continue to shape the world we live in.

    • Their enduring legacy is a testament to their exceptional vision and dedication, and their influence will continue to resonate for generations to come.

    • Indeed, the transformative work of Gates and Jobs has established a new paradigm for innovation and excellence in the technology industry.

  9. The philanthropic efforts of Bill Gates and the innovative designs of Steve Jobs have left an enduring impact on the world. Their contributions extend beyond technology to humanitarian and cultural spheres.

    • It’s remarkable how their work has transcended the boundaries of technology and influenced various aspects of society, enriching the world in numerous ways.

  10. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are two of the most influential figures in modern technology, known for their contributions to software and hardware development. Gates’ innovative approach to software and Jobs’ focus on user experience brought about the digital revolution we see today.

    • I agree with you, Gates’ work in software development and Jobs’ attention to user experience have had a lasting impact on the technology industry.

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