Michael Saul Dell is the American entrepreneur who turned a dorm-room startup into one of the world’s largest technology companies. Born in Houston in 1965, he dropped out of college and soon began selling upgraded PCs directly to customers a simple idea that blossomed into Dell Technologies. Today he serves as founder, chairman and CEO of the company that helped shape modern computing.
Under his leadership, Dell expanded far beyond personal computers. After taking the company private in 2013 and relisting it in 2018, Dell oversaw major acquisitions — including one of the biggest in tech history, purchasing storage giant EMC Corporation — and steered the company toward enterprise infrastructure, cloud services and AI-ready hardware.
Michael Dell’s Net Worth: By the Numbers
As of 2025, Michael Dell is widely regarded as one of the richest people on the planet, with most sources estimating his net worth between $145 billion and $151 billion.
His wealth comes from several major stakes and investments. A substantial portion stems from his long-standing ownership in Dell Technologies, along with previous holdings in virtualization and enterprise software firm VMware. Beyond that, Dell’s family office — managing diversified investments — adds significantly to his net worth.
The Journey from Dorm Room to Global Tech Empire
The story began in 1984, when Dell then a college student started assembling and selling PC upgrade kits from his dorm. He realized early that selling directly to customers could undercut traditional retail overhead, and formally launched “PC’s Limited,” which later became Dell Inc.
Over the decades, he transformed a small business into a tech infrastructure powerhouse. A major milestone came in 2016, when Dell acquired EMC Corporation a deal valued at around $67 billion and considered among the largest in tech history.
His ability to navigate volatile markets and reposition the company from traditional PC sales to enterprise IT systems and AI-ready infrastructure has kept his wealth and influence towering.
Legacy, Influence and What It Means
Michael Dell isn’t just another billionaire he embodies the self-made success story of modern technology. He redefined how computers were sold, reshaped enterprise computing, and built an empire that continues to evolve with global technology trends.
More than that, his investments both in business and philanthropy reflect long-term thinking. Through his family office and diversified holdings, he remains a major player in tech, finance and global infrastructure.
