Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, has died from complications of non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Allen, 65, was also known as a philanthropist and business leader.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella comments: “Paul Allen’s contributions to our company, our industry and to our community are indispensable.
“As co-founder of Microsoft, in his own quiet and persistent way, he created magical products, experiences and institutions, and in doing so, he changed the world.
“I have learned so much from him – his inquisitiveness, curiosity and push for high standards are something that will continue to inspire me and all of us at Microsoft.
“Our hearts are with Paul’s family and loved ones. Rest in peace.”
Paul Allen and Bill Gates formed Microsoft shortly after the first personal computer – the Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS) Altair, a build-it-yourself kit for hobbyists – was launched.
The two recognised that the Altair needed software, a programming language that could make it perform useful computing tasks, and they created the first personal computer language for the Altair, called Basic, which was licensed to MITS.