It’s one of the largest companies in the world, but Microsoft rose from humble beginnings. Founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, the tech giant celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 4, 2025.
There’s a good chance you have the Microsoft Office suite on your computer, but you might not know much about the groundbreaking company. In honor of a half-century of Microsoft, here’s a look at five surprising facts that show how much the company has grown since inception.
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The First Office Was Tiny
Microsoft was founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The company’s first office was a modest storefront in the Cal-Linn building, which was approximately 640 square feet, according to MyEListing.
In 1979, Microsoft moved to Seattle. Today, the company’s global headquarters is a 500-acre campus in Redmond, Washington.
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Current Staff Is 20,727 Times Larger Than Founding Team
Like most startups, the original Microsoft team was bare bones. A 1978 portrait of the company’s founding employees revealed a staff of just 11 people.
Things have certainly changed, as the tech giant now employs 228,000 people worldwide, according to its website. This includes 126 U.S. employees and 102,000 international workers.
Revenue Has Surged 15.3 Million Times Since Inception
In 2024, Microsoft realized more than $245 billion in annual revenue and more than $109 billion in operating income, according to the company’s 2024 annual report. A record performance, year-over-year profits were up 16% (in revenue) and 24% (in operating income).
It might seem hard to believe, but even Microsoft didn’t initially churn out billions — or even millions. In 1975, year-end sales totaled $16,005, according to its website.
Microsoft Provides Billions in Technology To Help Nonprofits
Given the company’s unassuming beginnings, the amount Microsoft gives back today is impressive. In 2024, the company partnered with 375,000 nonprofits globally to give $4.7 billion in donated and discounted technology, according to its website.
They’ve provided digital skills training and certification to 14.1 million people in 202 countries, as of June 2024. Most were from underserved areas.
It Has Connected More Than 100 Million People Worldwide Since 2017
Microsoft started small, but it’s had a major impact. Using its power for good, the company has played a part in bringing high-speed internet to more than 100 million people globally — including nearly 40 million in Africa, according to the 2024 Microsoft Impact Summary.
An ongoing project, the company is working to help its U.S. partners secure $725 million in federal funding to extend connectivity. By the end of 2025, the company aims to offer digital connectivity to 250 million people worldwide.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Surprising Microsoft Facts That Show How Much It’s Grown
