Microsoft, founded in 1975, became one of the world's most valuable companies through its cloud and software expansion.
Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on April 4, 1975. The company first became widely known for software, including the MS-DOS operating system and Microsoft Windows, before building a large productivity-software and enterprise-services business.
Microsoft's market capitalization grew substantially as investors recognized the importance of Azure cloud computing, Microsoft 365 subscriptions, enterprise software, and its ownership of businesses such as LinkedIn and GitHub. Its partnership and investment in OpenAI also increased attention on its artificial-intelligence strategy.
Microsoft's position among the richest companies by market cap changes with the stock market. Its long history is a reminder that mega-cap businesses can evolve from a single software product into diversified global technology platforms.