According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the softly spoken Ballmer is now the sixth-richest person in the world with a $157.2 billion net worth. Ballmer surpassed Bill Gates for two reasons.

More than 90 per cent of Steve Ballmer's wealth is in Microsoft shares and he is Vole’s single largest individual shareholder. Microsoft's stock continues its strong growth momentum and is up 21 per cent this year alone.

Gates diversified his portfolio through Cascade Investment. Therefore, his other investments did not yield the returns that Microsoft stock would have provided.

It is important to note that the Bloomberg Billionaires Index only considers an individual's current wealth. Gates has been involved in philanthropy through the Gates Foundation for almost two decades.

The Gates Foundation is one of the largest charitable organisations in the world, with over $75 billion in funding. Bill Gates has donated over $60 billion to the Gates Foundation over the past two decades.

 Until now, Steve Ballmer has not committed to large-scale philanthropy like Bill Gates. However, he has made several donations to major universities in the US, including the $425 million fund for the University of Oregon.

Additionally, he launched USAFacts.org, a not-for-profit organisation that helps people understand US government revenue, spending, and societal impact. Ballmer and his wife co-founded the Ballmer Group, which funds organisations and leaders that reshape opportunity and expand economic mobility across the United States.

The Ballmer Group is focused on improving economic mobility for children and families in the US. It funds individuals and organisations that show they can offer opportunities and reduce systemic inequities—nothing yet for the hard of hearing.