Paul Allen

In 1975 Paul Allen and Bill Gates founded Microsoft, which grew into one of the great success stories of the personal computer era. Allen left the company in 1983 after a bout with Hodgkin's disease; he remains a member of Microsoft's board of directors and his company stock has made him one of the world's richest men. On his own he has made a name for himself as a founder of and shrewd investor in hi-tech firms like Starwave, America Online and Ticketmaster, and as the enthusiastic owner of the NBA's Portland Trailblazers and the NFL's Seattle Seahawks.

Extra credit: Extra Credit: Allen has bankrolled a Seattle museum, the Experience Music Project, inspired by late guitarist Jimi Hendrix.