The 1978 Microsoft company photo, taken in Albuquerque, is a timeless emblem of entrepreneurial beginnings, featuring the company’s first 11 employees in a candid group shot. Initiated by Bob Greenberg’s radio contest win for identifying an assassinated president, this portrait—often shared online with the question “Would you have invested?” to suggest a doubtful “no” due to their informal look—captures the startup’s raw potential. As of 08:30 PM +07 on Saturday, August 30, 2025, the journeys of these pioneers, including billionaire founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen, reveal a diverse legacy, underscored by Allen’s passing in October 2018 at 65. Here’s a detailed look at where they are now.
The Founding Minds
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Bill Gates (Bottom Left): Co-founder with Paul Allen, Gates drove Microsoft’s rise with MS-DOS and Windows, stepping down as CEO in 2000. Now co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he addresses global challenges like malaria and education, with a 2025 net worth of $130 billion from tech and climate investments. He lives in Medina, Washington, engaging in public discourse.
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Paul Allen (Bottom Right): Co-founder and early innovator with BASIC for the Altair 8800, Allen exited in 1983 after a lymphoma diagnosis, founding Vulcan Inc. His ventures spanned the Seahawks, Trail Blazers, and the Allen Institute. His $20.3 billion net worth ended with his 2018 death from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with his estate managing his $2 billion pledge.
The Original Team
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Bob Greenberg (Center): Joining in 1977, Greenberg developed a BASIC interpreter and left in 1981. At Coleco, he shaped the Cabbage Patch Kids craze, then founded Golf Age. Retiring to Florida with a $20 million net worth by 2000, he enjoys a private life.
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Marc McDonald: Hired in July 1978 as the first salaried employee, McDonald worked on BASIC and file systems until 1984. He joined Asymetrix, then Design Intelligence (reacquired by Microsoft in 2000), and PaperG in 2011. Living in Seattle with a net worth under $1 million, he consults part-time.
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Gordon Letwin: Recruited in 1977, Letwin led OS/2 until 1993, the second-longest tenure. He now runs a Tucson ranch with Rose, overseeing the Wilburforce Foundation. His $20 million net worth by 2000 reflects stock wealth, and he mentors coding enthusiasts.
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Bob O’Rear: A 1977 hire from NASA’s Apollo team, O’Rear enhanced DOS for IBM, leaving in 1983. He ranchs near Waco, Texas, serves on boards, and holds a $100 million net worth, living quietly with Linda in his 80s.
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Steve Wood: Joining in 1977 for a Fortran compiler, Wood left in 1980 with Marla after her settled lawsuit. They settled in Oregon, raising kids and volunteering, with a $15 million combined net worth.
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Marla Wood: Hired in 1977 as a bookkeeper, Marla exited in 1980 post-lawsuit, living privately in Oregon with family and charity work, her wealth part of the couple’s $15 million.
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Jim Lane: Recruited in 1977, Lane secured the Intel deal and left in 1985. He founded Lane & Associates in California, retiring with a $20 million net worth by 2000, now photographing in San Diego.
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Bob Wallace: The ninth hire in 1978, Wallace left in 1983 with stock, founding Quicksoft and studying psychedelics. He died in 2002 from pneumonia at 53.
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Andrea Lewis: Joining in 1978 as a technical writer, Lewis left in 1983 for journalism, co-founding Hugo House in Seattle. Her $2 million net worth supports her literary pursuits.
A Legacy Forged
This 1978 team, frozen in a moment of promise, built Microsoft’s foundation. Their 2025 stories—from Gates’ and Allen’s global influence to varied millionaire lives—transform the photo’s trick question into a triumph, with Allen’s 2018 loss adding depth to their shared history.
