Michael Saul Dell (born February 23, 1965) is an American billionaire entrepreneur, investor, and business visionary, best known as the founder, chairman, and CEO of Dell Technologies, one of the largest global technology infrastructure companies. As of December 2024, Dell ranks as the 10th-richest person in the world, with a net worth of $130 billion, according to Forbes and Bloomberg. A significant portion of his wealth comes from 50% ownership in Dell Technologies and a 40% stake in VMware, with additional investments managed through his family office, DFO Management.
In 2013, Dell made headlines by executing a $24.4 billion management buyout, taking Dell Inc. private—the largest buyout since the Great Recession—before returning to public markets in 2018.
 | |
| Born | Michael Saul Dell February 23, 1965 |
| Education | University of Texas at Austin (dropped out) |
| Occupations | Businessman , investor philanthropist |
| Title | Founder, Chairman , CEO of Dell Technologies Inc. Founder of MSD Capital
|
| Spouse | Susan Lynn Lieberman (m. 1989) |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Adam Dell (brother) |
Early Life and Education
Michael Dell was born in Houston, Texas, to a Jewish family. His mother, Lorraine Charlotte Langfan, was a stockbroker, and his father, Alexander Dell, was an orthodontist. Dell demonstrated an entrepreneurial mindset from a young age, taking a high school equivalency exam at eight and investing in stocks and precious metals during his early teens.
Dell’s fascination with technology began when he purchased his first calculator at age seven and experimented with a teletype terminal in junior high. By 15, he had bought an Apple II computer, which he immediately disassembled to understand its components.
While initially enrolled in pre-med at the University of Texas, Dell’s business acumen flourished. He launched a successful newspaper subscription business targeting specific populations, earning $18,000 in one year and employing several staff. Motivated by this success, Dell dropped out at 19 to fully pursue his technology venture.
Business Career
Early Ventures and Dell’s Founding
Dell’s business journey began in his college dorm at the Dobie Center, where he assembled and sold personal computer upgrade kits. By selling PCs directly to consumers, he eliminated retail overhead, creating a unique business model that prioritized customization and affordability.
In 1984, Dell officially founded PC’s Limited, later incorporated as Dell Computer Corporation, operating initially from a condominium. Within months, the company generated between $50,000 and $80,000 in sales. With guidance from mentor Morton Meyerson, Dell expanded operations, moving into a larger facility in North Austin.
By 1992, at age 27, Dell became the youngest CEO of a Fortune 500 company. He pioneered online PC sales in 1996, launched enterprise servers, and by 2001, Dell Inc. became the world’s largest PC manufacturer, surpassing Compaq.
Dell stepped down as CEO in 2004 but returned in 2007. In 2013, with support from Silver Lake Partners, Microsoft, and other investors, he took Dell private in a $25 billion buyout, returning to the public market in 2018.
Strategic Acquisitions
EMC Corporation (2015): Dell acquired EMC for $67 billion, the largest tech acquisition in history, strengthening Dell’s position in enterprise software and storage solutions.
Legal Challenges
In 2010, Dell Inc. settled SEC charges regarding disclosure and accounting issues linked to Intel payments, paying $100 million, with Dell personally contributing $4 million as part of the settlement.
Achievements and Awards
Michael Dell’s innovative leadership has earned him numerous accolades:
- Entrepreneur of the Year by Inc. magazine at age 24
- Top CEO in American Business by Worth magazine
- CEO of the Year by multiple business publications
- Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement (1998)
- Bower Award for Business Leadership, Franklin Institute (2013)
Dell also serves on the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum and the International Business Council, and has advised on technology and COVID-19 task forces.
Publications
Michael Dell has authored two influential books:
- Direct from Dell: Strategies That Revolutionized an Industry (1999) – A guide to building and scaling a global tech company.
- Play Nice But Win: A CEO's Journey from Founder to Leader (2014) – Insights into leadership and corporate strategy.
Wealth and Investments
Dell’s wealth primarily comes from his stakes in Dell Technologies and VMware, managed alongside MSD Capital, which invests in real estate, private equity, and technology ventures.
Philanthropy
Michael and Susan Dell founded the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation in 1999, focusing on education, healthcare, and child development. Their philanthropic impact is significant:
- Supported education and health initiatives in the U.S. and globally
- Funded the Dell Jewish Community Campus in Austin
- In 2023, they donated $975 million, ranking among the top U.S. philanthropists
Personal Life
Dell married Susan Lieberman on October 28, 1989, and they have four children, residing in Austin, Texas. Known for his low-profile lifestyle, Dell maintains a focus on family, innovation, and philanthropy.
Legacy
Michael Dell is recognized as one of the most visionary technology entrepreneurs of his generation. By revolutionizing PC sales, pioneering direct-to-consumer technology models, and expanding into enterprise computing, Dell has left an indelible mark on the tech industry. His story exemplifies innovation, leadership, and transformative entrepreneurship.
References
- Category:Michael Dell (no date) Wikimedia Commons. Available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Michael_Dell (Accessed: 04 January 2025).
- Chappatta, B. et al. (2017) Bloomberg billionaires index, Bloomberg.com. Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/profiles/michael-s-dell/ (Accessed: 04 January 2025).
- Goodreturn (no date) Michael Dell: Michael Dell Net Worth, biography, age, spouse, children & more, Goodreturn. Available at: https://www.goodreturns.in/michael-dell-net-worth-and-biography-blnr22.html (Accessed: 04 January 2025).
- Michael Dell (no date) Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/profile/michael-dell/ (Accessed: 04 January 2025).
