Bill Gates Spends Vacation with Ex-Girlfriend After Breakup... Also Received Permission to Marry

Anne Winblad (71), a software entrepreneur and venture capitalist, is known as the ex-girlfriend of Microsoft (MS) co-founder Bill Gates (65).
[Photo by People magazine]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Following the news of the divorce between Microsoft (MS) co-founder Bill Gates (65) and his wife Melinda Gates (56), local articles discussing the couple's children as well as Bill Gates' ex-girlfriend have been emerging. In particular, it was revealed that Bill maintained a relationship with his ex-girlfriend for decades after marriage, even traveling together.

On the 8th (local time), local media reported on Ann Winblad (71), known as Bill's ex-girlfriend. According to reports, Bill and Winblad regularly took vacations together even after his marriage, and Bill sought Winblad's permission regarding his marriage to Melinda.

Winblad, a software entrepreneur and venture capitalist, began her career in finance and started an accounting software business in 1976. In 1989, she founded an investment firm called 'Hummer Winblad Venture Partners,' which helped launch over 160 companies over several years. She also worked as a consultant for many companies, including IBM and Microsoft.

According to a 1997 report by Time magazine, Bill and Winblad met at a computer conference and started dating in 1984. The two broke up in 1987, the same year Melinda joined Microsoft as a product manager and met Bill.

Local media reported that Bill and Winblad maintained a strong bond and continued to keep in touch even after their breakup. In fact, Bill spent a weekend every spring at Winblad's coastal home in North Carolina after his marriage. They spent time walking on the beach or hang gliding together. It is known that Bill had an agreement with his wife Melinda that he would regularly take vacations with Winblad.

Winblad said, "As two young achievers, we shared thoughts about the world and ourselves," adding, "We also exchanged opinions on various global issues."

On the 3rd (local time), Microsoft (MS) co-founder Bill Gates announced that he and his wife Melinda Gates have agreed to end their 27-year marriage and get a divorce.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Bill revealed in a past interview, "When I was struggling alone with the decision to marry Melinda, I called Winblad to get her approval," disclosing that he had sought Winblad's permission before marrying Melinda. Winblad said about Bill and Melinda's marriage, "Melinda has incredible intellectual perseverance. She will be a good partner."

Earlier, Bill and Melinda announced their divorce through a joint statement on Twitter on the 3rd. They explained, "After much thought and effort regarding our relationship, we have decided to end our marriage. We no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in the next phase of our lives." They also added that they will continue to operate the 'Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation' together.