SOURCE OF WEALTH: Valve Corporation, Microsoft
FUNDING AREAS: Education & Youth
OVERVIEW: Gabe Newell does not appear to have a formal charitable vehicle. He funds and co-founded an educational company called Foundry10, which explores non-traditional learning.
BACKGROUND: Gabe Newell attended Harvard, but dropped out to join Microsoft. He held a number of positions in the Systems, Applications, and Advanced Technology divisions during his 13 years at the company. He went on to co-found Valve Corporation in 1996, and jointly funded the development of video games like Half-Life and Portal. The Valve Corporation plays a big role in PC game sales through its Steam digital store.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION & YOUTH: Gabe Newell co-founded and funds Foundry10, which aims to research and understand non-traditional learning. Foundry10’s programs are “designed to test new theories in cognition and learning through scientific testing of new programs, collaboration with experts across numerous fields, and interaction directly with students and participants.”
LOOKING FORWARD: The billionaire, only in his 50s, is still very much engaged in business. Perhaps his interest in education will deepen, and he’ll set up a family foundation as well.