Are you curious to know who owns Microsoft, the global powerhouse in technology and innovation?
The answer may surprise you!
While Microsoft was founded by two brilliant minds—Bill Gates and Paul Allen—over four decades ago, as of today only one person has held an astonishing majority of voting rights over the company: U.S. billionaire investor Warren Buffett.
Microsoft owns many popular brands and has developed several successful products over the years.
Some of the most well-known companies owned by Microsoft include LinkedIn, Skype, Xbox, Mojang (which is the owner of Minecraft), GitHub, and Nokia.
Microsoft has also acquired many smaller tech companies like Groove Networks in 2005 and Revolution Analytics in 2015.
In addition to these acquisitions, Microsoft holds major investments in several large technology companies including Apple Inc.,
Who Owns Microsoft?
The largest individual shareholder is none other than Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who still owns approximately 1.3% of the company.
Other large shareholders include investment firms like The Vanguard Group and Blackrock.
In total, over 72% of Microsoft’s shares are held by institutional investors.
While the ownership structure of Microsoft may be complex, there’s no doubting the company’s impact on the technology industry and the world at large.
Warren Buffett, the legendary investor who heads up Berkshire Hathaway Inc., currently holds a 5.2% voting stake in Microsoft Corporation.
This means that he has an immense amount of influence over the company’s strategic decisions and overall direction.
His investment in Microsoft is seen by many as a vote of confidence in the longevity of its products and services, which could provide long-term stability for shareholders.
With his involvement, it appears that the company will continue to move forward in an efficient and profitable manner.
The involvement of Warren Buffett as a major shareholder allows Microsoft to continue to innovate, grow, and expand its offerings without being beholden to any single individual or group.
For shareholders, this means that they benefit from access to the latest technologies while also reaping dividends in the form of profits.
Additionally, with Buffett’s influence providing stability and oversight, it is likely that Microsoft will remain an influential
What Companies Does Microsoft Own?
With its powerful vision and a long list of successful ventures, Microsoft is undeniably one of the biggest players in the tech industry.
The company is renowned for its flagship products, including the following:
1. Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems developed by Microsoft and the most widely used version of the family.
It was first released in 1985 and has since evolved into multiple versions, including Windows 10.
As an operating system, Windows offers users a graphical user interface (GUI) to control computers with ease.
It also provides features such as multitasking, memory management, network support, security capabilities, and user account management.
Additionally, it supports a variety of applications and can be customized to fit the needs of individual users.
2. Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity applications used by businesses and individuals around the world.
It includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, SharePoint, Teams, and Skype for Business.
Microsoft Office allows users to create documents and spreadsheets, store notes and contacts, manage emails, prepare presentations, design databases, develop websites, collaborate with others in real-time using instant messaging services, share files securely over the Internet or via email, access online content from any device or location, automate tasks with macros and scripts, analyze data with advanced AI capabilities.
Additionally, it provides tools for customizing user interface elements to fit individual preferences.
3. Xbox
Xbox is a gaming console developed and produced by Microsoft, first released in 2001.
It is one of the most popular gaming consoles of its generation, due to its range of exclusive games, online services, and powerful hardware options.
Xbox users can access an expansive library of over 3,000 games from different genres, including action-adventure titles such as Halo 5: Guardians and Gears of War 4, family favorites like Zoo Tycoon and Fable II, racing games such as Forza Motorsport 7, sports franchises like Madden NFL 18, role-playing adventures like Mass Effect: Andromeda, and more.
Additionally, gamers can play against others across multiple platforms with Xbox Live, share videos and screenshots through social media networks using the Upload Studio program, or stream their gameplay through the Twitch app.
Xbox also offers numerous entertainment services, including 4K Blu-ray and video playback, access to streaming apps such as Netflix and Hulu, music downloads from Groove Music, and Skype for conversations with friends.
4. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a social networking website designed specifically for professional networking.
It was founded in 2002 and is currently owned by Microsoft. LinkedIn has become the world’s largest professional network with more than 610 million members in over 200 countries and territories around the globe.
On LinkedIn, users can create their own profiles to showcase their education, skills, work experience, awards, and projects, and even ask for recommendations from other professionals they have worked with.
Additionally, it allows job seekers to search for relevant jobs posted by employers on its platform.
Users can also join different groups related to their interests or industries; post updates about what they are working on; follow companies; endorse friends and colleagues; and research potential companies or contacts.
Microsoft acquired LinkedIn in 2016 in a deal worth $26.2 billion, making it the company’s largest acquisition to date.
5. Skype
Skype is a telecommunications company owned by Microsoft.
It was founded in 2003, and is currently available in over 30 languages, allowing users to communicate with one another via voice and video calls, instant messaging, file sharing, and screen sharing.
Skype has become an essential tool for millions of people around the world to stay connected with their friends and family members.
It also allows businesses to hold conferences or meetings with multiple people located in different countries at the same time.
Additionally, its mobile app allows users to make international calls without incurring any extra charges.
Microsoft acquired Skype Technologies’ software applications division back in 2011 for $8.5 billion.
6. GitHub
GitHub is a code hosting platform owned by Microsoft.
It was founded in 2008 and has since become the world’s largest software development platform, with more than 40 million users around the world.
GitHub enables developers to collaborate on projects, share code repositories, track changes in source codes, and review each other’s work.
Additionally, users can create their own project websites that include documentation and issue-tracking tools.
It also provides project management for teams of all sizes. In 2018, Microsoft acquired GitHub for approximately $7.5 billion in an effort to empower developers worldwide.
7. Nokia
Nokia is a telecommunications and technology company owned by Microsoft.
It was founded in 1865 and has since grown to become one of the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturers.
Nokia produces a wide range of products, including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
In addition to hardware production, Nokia also provides services such as mapping, navigation, internet access, digital media delivery, VoIP calls, and cloud storage solutions.
Microsoft acquired Nokia’s devices and services division in 2013 for $7.2 billion in an effort to bolster its mobile presence.
As part of the deal, Microsoft took ownership of all of Nokia’s existing products as well as their patents and licensing rights.
Since then, Microsoft has used Nokia’s brand to produce its own line of Windows-powered smartphones.
Microsoft has a diverse portfolio of holdings across a range of sectors.
By expanding its purview through careful strategic acquisitions, the tech giant has steadily built a formidable empire in the corporate world.
Looking at the impressive list of companies Microsoft owns, it’s clear that this tech giant is not afraid to take calculated risks and pursue innovation across a range of spaces.
When Was Microsoft Founded?
Microsoft Corporation was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen on April 4th, 1975.
Gates had been a computer enthusiast since an early age, while Allen had a background in programming and computing, which laid the foundation for Microsoft’s future success.
The duo started the company in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and over the years, Microsoft continued to grow, develop new products and technology, and establish itself as a giant in the tech industry.
Today, Microsoft’s impact is vast, with its software and devices in use by people around the globe.
Who is the CEO of Microsoft?
The current CEO of Microsoft is Satya Nadella, who took over from Steve Ballmer in 2014.
Microsoft Corporation is a giant tech company that has created its mark in the world of computers.
It is one of the companies that has changed how we interact with technology today. From one Windows update to another, Microsoft continues to improve its software, operating systems, and many other services.
It’s no surprise that they have a CEO who is as innovative and forward-thinking as the company itself.
Nadella’s background in engineering and business makes him a perfect fit to lead the company in these times of technological advancement.
With Nadella’s vision, Microsoft has continued to grow and evolve, continuously bringing new products and services that keep us connected and productive.
What is Microsoft’s Net Worth?
Microsoft’s net worth currently stands at an impressive $2.4 trillion as of October 2023.
Microsoft Corporation is one of the most valuable technology companies in the world and is known for its innovative software and hardware solutions.
The company’s revenue growth has been fueled by its Azure cloud platform, Office productivity suite, and sales of Windows operating systems.
Its strong position in the tech market has also allowed Microsoft to expand into other areas, such as gaming and artificial intelligence.
With a solid financial standing and a reputation for producing cutting-edge technology, Microsoft’s net worth is a testament to the company’s success and continued growth.
Where is the Headquarters of Microsoft?
Microsoft is headquartered in Redmond, Washington.
It’s true! The sprawling campus, affectionately known as the “Microsoft Redmond Campus,” covers more than 500 acres and boasts an impressive array of buildings and facilities dedicated to software development, hardware engineering, research, and more.
The campus is home to more than 50,000 employees, making it one of the largest private employers in the region.
With its impressive array of talent, technology, and resources, it’s no wonder that Microsoft continues to be a major player in the global tech industry.
What is the Annual Revenue of Microsoft?
In 2023, Microsoft reported a whopping $211.92 billion in revenue.
Microsoft, one of the largest tech companies in the world, has been making waves in the industry for years.
As a publicly traded company, investors and analysts eagerly await the release of Microsoft’s annual revenue reports.
This impressive number can be attributed to the company’s diverse portfolio of products and services, including Windows, Office, Azure, and even LinkedIn.
Microsoft’s continued success is a testament to its ability to adapt and innovate in an ever-changing technological landscape.
How Many Employees Does Microsoft Have?
Microsoft currently employs over 221,000 people across 190 countries as of 2023.
That’s right, each and every one of those employees plays a crucial role in ensuring that Microsoft continues to innovate and expand its reach across the globe.
Whether working on new software, developing the latest hardware, or providing top-tier customer support, Microsoft’s employees are truly the backbone of this tech giant.
Final Thoughts
The story of Microsoft is a testament to the power of growth and innovation.
With its founder Bill Gates leading the charge, the company has grown from humble beginnings in 1975 to one of the most well-known technology giants in the world today.
Ultimately, Microsoft has become a massive conglomerate with its own distinct ecosystem, helping the company build a presence that spans industries around the world.
The sheer number of products, services, and solutions it provides – not only to its customers but also to its employees – is remarkable.
As it continues to grow and develop new opportunities for itself and other stakeholders alike, there’s no doubt Microsoft will remain one of the corporate success stories for years to come.
FAQs
What’s Microsoft Used For?
Microsoft is most known for its Windows OS and Office suite, but the company also produces Xbox gaming consoles, Surface tablets, and Azure cloud computing services.
How Does Microsoft Make Money?
Microsoft makes money by selling products and services, and advertising on its websites and web-based services, such as the Bing search engine.
What are the 4 Main Microsoft Applications?
The four main Microsoft applications are Windows, Office, Azure, and LinkedIn.
What are the Benefits of Using Microsoft?
Microsoft offers greater productivity, enhanced security features, improved collaboration capabilities, and more.
How Many Microsoft Apps Are There?
Microsoft currently offers Windows 10, Office 365 Suite of applications, Microsoft Teams, Xbox Live, Bing search engine, Skype for Business, Outlook Mail, Calendar, Dynamics CRM, Azure cloud services, and a host of other products.
Which is the Largest Version of Microsoft?
Microsoft’s largest version is Windows 10, which is used on more than 800 million devices worldwide.