Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were professional rivals. But there is one thing that Steve Jobs really remembers: Bill Gates' services in preventing Apple's bankruptcy. Bill Gates offered the nearly bankrupt Apple Computers a $150 million investment in 1997.
This news was very surprising because the two often teased each other and suddenly the announcement of an agreement was announced on August 6, 1997. But all of this was done on the basis of interests as well.
Microsoft was then a company in the midst of an antitrust battle that tarnished its image during the height of its browser war with Netscape. With investments, this allows them to appear like 'good' competitors for a change by investing in small companies with investments.
Bill Gates' investment in Apple also enabled Jobs to return to the company and elevate Apple to a top company -- today who doesn't use a Mac or an iPhone?
Things now look very different for the two companies now. Apple's market capitalization currently stands at USD 2.394 trillion, Microsoft is at USD 2.286 trillion. It was clear that Bill Gates was big because he had invested in Apple when he released his shareholdings.
After the death of Steve Jobs, Bill Gates admitted that he really respected and appreciated the late Jobs. This he wrote himself in his GatesNotes blog.
"Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors, and friends for more than half of our lives," Gates wrote.
"The world rarely sees someone who has had the huge impact Steve had, whose effect will be felt for generations to come. For those of us who were lucky enough to work with him, it's been a tremendous honor. I will miss Steve very much." Thus launched Boss Hunting.