Which billionaire is not leaving money to his children?

Bill Gates’ Decision to Limit Inheritance for His Children

When it comes to wealth, Bill Gates has always taken a different approach. Despite being worth over $107 billion, the Microsoft co-founder has made it clear that his children won’t inherit the bulk of his fortune. In a 2017 interview, Gates revealed that his three kids would each receive only $10 million—less than 1% of his net worth—while the vast majority of his wealth will go to philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“I just don’t think it would be good either for my kids or society,” Gates said, emphasizing his belief that immense wealth passed down through generations can do more harm than good. He’s not alone in this thinking—other high-profile figures like Warren Buffett and MacKenzie Scott have also chosen to give most of their fortunes to charitable causes rather than to family.

Gates and his former wife, Melinda French Gates, have long been committed to using their wealth to tackle global issues like poverty, education, and public health. The foundation has donated billions to vaccination programs, disease prevention, and efforts to improve access to technology in underserved communities.

This deliberate choice reflects a broader philosophy: that great wealth comes with a responsibility to give back. By limiting what his children inherit, Gates aims to encourage them to forge their own paths and find purpose outside of financial privilege. It’s a bold stance in a world where dynastic wealth is still common among the ultra-rich.

While $10 million is still a significant sum, Gates’ decision stands out in the billionaire world—not for what he’s keeping, but for what he’s choosing to give away. In doing so, he’s reshaping the conversation around legacy, not as a matter of inheritance, but of impact.