Michael Dell earned his first $1,000 at the age of 12 by selling stamps and collectibles. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to spark the personal computer revolution when he founded Dell Computers, initially from his dorm room at the University of Texas.
Dell’s strategy of selling directly to customers, bypassing traditional retailers, enabled him to offer competitive prices and customized systems, which fueled the rapid growth of his company. This unique approach helped him become one of the world’s wealthiest individuals and established Dell Technologies as a leading force in the tech industry.
Here, we explore the life and career of the man behind one of the largest computer companies.
Michael Dell: Career history
Full name: Michael Saul Dell
Date of birth: 23 February 1965
Nationality: American
Net worth: $118 billion (as of 2024)
Education: Dell attended the University of Texas as a pre-med student but left in 1984 to focus full-time on his business.
Best Known for: Founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, one of the world’s largest providers of computers and IT infrastructure.
Michael Dell's passion for technology began early. As a teenager, he purchased his first computer, an Apple II, and promptly took it apart to understand its workings. He later did the same with an IBM PC, recognizing the potential for these machines to transform businesses. This interest led to his first venture at age 14, selling Houston Post subscriptions, where he earned $18,000 in a year—more than one of his school teachers.
In 1983, as a freshman at the University of Texas, Dell launched a business selling upgrade kits for personal computers. He soon realized he could build and sell entire systems, eliminating the middleman to offer lower prices. When his monthly earnings exceeded $25,000, Dell decided to leave college to focus fully on his business. By 1984, his company, originally called PCs Limited, had earned $6 million in revenue.
Birth of Dell Computer Corporation
In 1987, PCs Limited was rebranded as Dell Computer Corporation. At just 27 years old, Dell became the youngest CEO of a Fortune 500 company. However, in 1993, the company faced a challenging period as the PC market suffered a downturn, causing Dell's stock price to plummet. The company scrapped a new line of laptops, further adding to its troubles. To recover, Dell brought in seasoned executives, and within a year, the company rebounded, posting profits of $149 million.
In 1996, Dell took a major step forward by selling computers online, achieving $1 million per day in online sales. By 2001, Dell had become the largest PC maker globally, surpassing competitors like Compaq, with a market share of 12.8%.
Dell stepped down as CEO in March 2004, with Kevin Rollins taking over. However, after a period of mixed fortunes, the board invited Dell to return as CEO in 2007. Dell then led the company through a significant transition, diversifying from PC sales into IT services and infrastructure to better compete with companies like HP and IBM.
In July 2010, Dell faced a $100 million penalty to settle U.S. SEC charges over accounting fraud. The SEC alleged that Dell had failed to disclose substantial payments from Intel in exchange for not using AMD processors, inflating the company’s earnings.
Dell / EMC merger
In 2013, Michael Dell took the bold step of privatizing the company in a $24.4 billion leveraged buyout, retaining a 16% stake. This move allowed Dell to refocus the company’s strategy away from quarterly earnings pressures.
In 2016, Dell Technologies made headlines with the $67 billion acquisition of EMC, one of the largest tech mergers ever. This acquisition positioned Dell as a leader in data storage, hybrid cloud, and IT services. Today, Dell Technologies is a major player in enterprise IT, with strategic focuses on cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
Since the EMC acquisition in 2016, Michael Dell has led Dell Technologies' transformation into a dominant enterprise IT provider. The acquisition shifted the company’s focus to cloud infrastructure, data management, and digital transformation. This move positioned Dell Technologies as one of the leading players in hybrid cloud and data storage, catering primarily to large-scale enterprise needs.
In 2018, Dell Technologies returned to public trading through a unique buyback of VMware tracking shares, avoiding a traditional IPO. This financial maneuver enabled Dell to maintain control while addressing investor concerns, demonstrating his commitment to balancing Dell Technologies’ long-term strategy with shareholder interests.
Philanthropy & company vision
Michael Dell’s philanthropic efforts have continued to grow. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, with a focus on education, health, and economic stability, became especially active during the COVID-19 pandemic. The foundation provided millions in relief funding, supporting healthcare workers and bolstering global healthcare infrastructure in underserved communities.
Today, Dell Technologies continues to evolve, with a strategic focus on cloud solutions, cyber security, and sustainability. Michael Dell has advocated for the importance of digital transformation and innovation in areas like AI and edge computing, positioning Dell Technologies as a leader in these fields. His forward-looking approach reflects his vision for driving technological and social impact through the company and his foundation’s initiatives.
