Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on why he gave 4% of his shares to ‘future CEO’ Steve Balmer

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has described his close relationship with Steve Ballmer, who became the CEO of the company after Gates left, in his memoir, “Source Code: My Beginnings”. Gates gave Ballmer a 4% stake in the company to convince him to join the company.

Gates portrays Ballmer – whom he met at Harvard in 1976 – as a kindred spirit, confidant, study buddy, and crucial business partner.