When it comes to power couples, Bill Gates—the co-founder of Microsoft—and Paula Hurd, the widow of tech executive Mark Hurd, have caught public attention. Their relationship has sparked curiosity due to their individual backgrounds in the tech industry and their personal journeys. This article explores their relationship timeline, key facts, and answers frequently asked questions about Paula Hurd.
Who Is Paula Hurd?
Paula Hurd is a philanthropist, event planner, and the widow of the late Mark Hurd, who was the former CEO of Oracle and Hewlett-Packard (HP). She has kept a relatively low profile over the years but gained public interest after being linked to Bill Gates.
Paula holds a degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied business administration. Over time, she has supported various charitable causes, especially in education and health.
Relationship Timeline of Paula Hurd and Bill Gates
Below is a table summarizing key milestones in the relationship between Paula Hurd and Bill Gates:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2019 | Mark Hurd, Paula’s husband, passes away at age 62. |
| May 2021 | Bill Gates and Melinda Gates announce their divorce after 27 years. |
| Early 2022 | Rumors begin circulating about Bill Gates and Paula Hurd being close. |
| February 2023 | Gates and Hurd are spotted together at the Australian Open in Melbourne. |
| Mid-2023 | Media outlets confirm their relationship is “romantic but private.” |
| 2024–Present | They are seen attending various public and charity events together. |
The couple has not publicly confirmed many details, but their appearances and statements from close sources suggest they are enjoying a quiet, supportive relationship.
How Did They Meet?
While it is not officially known how Paula Hurd and Bill Gates met, sources believe they connected through shared interests in philanthropy and technology. Both are heavily involved in charity work and have attended similar high-profile events and tech conferences over the years.
Their relationship reportedly blossomed from a strong friendship after going through personal losses—Paula losing her husband in 2019, and Bill going through a divorce in 2021.
Facts about Paula Hurd
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paula Kalupa Hurd |
| Date of Birth | 1962 |
| Age (2025) | 63 |
| Profession | Philanthropist, Event Planner |
| Education | University of Texas at Austin |
| Ex-Husband | Mark Hurd |
| Relationship Status | Dating Bill Gates (as of 2025) |
| Children | 2 Daughters |
| Estimated Net Worth | $10M – $15M |
What Do They Have in Common?
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Tech Industry Backgrounds: Both come from strong tech backgrounds. Gates as Microsoft’s co-founder, and Paula as the wife of Oracle CEO Mark Hurd.
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Philanthropy: They are actively involved in charitable work.
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Private Lives: Both prefer to keep personal matters low-key despite being public figures.
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Interest in Sports & Travel: They have been seen together at tennis matches and international events.
Public Reactions and Media Coverage
Media outlets have been largely respectful of their privacy. While their relationship made headlines, both Paula and Bill have maintained a low-profile approach. Neither of them shares much on social media, and interviews discussing their relationship are rare.
However, sources close to the couple have described them as “happy” and “in sync” with each other, supporting each other’s goals and values.
Conclusion
The relationship between Paula Hurd and Bill Gates is a story of companionship formed through mutual respect, shared interests, and understanding of life’s highs and lows. Both successful in their own right, they’ve come together not just as a couple, but as individuals continuing to make a positive impact in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old is Paula Hurd?
Paula Hurd was born in 1962, which makes her 63 years old as of 2025.
Who is Paula Hurd’s ex-husband?
Paula Hurd was married to Mark Hurd, the former CEO of Oracle Corporation and Hewlett-Packard (HP). He passed away in October 2019.
What is the age difference between Bill Gates and Paula Hurd?
Bill Gates was born on October 28, 1955, and Paula Hurd was born in 1962, making the age difference around 7 years, with Bill being the older of the two.
Who is Paula Hurd’s net worth?
While Paula Hurd’s exact net worth isn’t publicly disclosed, it is estimated to be around $10 million to $15 million, mostly inherited from her late husband’s estate and her own ventures.
Paula Hurd children
Paula and Mark Hurd had two daughters, though they have kept their identities private. The family has always maintained a discreet profile, especially regarding their children.
