Michael Dell Biography, Career, Family, Success Story, Awards, Controversies, and Latest News
Michael Saul Dell is an American businessman and investor. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Dell Technologies, one of the largest tech companies in the world.
Michael Dell and Susan Dell Give $6.25 Billion to Help 25 Million Kids
Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies, and his wife Susan Dell announced a $6.25 billion philanthropic initiative to deposit $250 each into investment accounts for 25 million American children as part of the Trump administration’s Invest America program. The accounts, called “Trump accounts,” are designed for children born between 2025 and 2028, who will also receive $1,000 from the U.S. Treasury.
The funds must be invested in an index fund mirroring the stock market and will become accessible at age 18 to pay for education, job training, buying a first home, or starting a business. The Dells said the effort aims to expand opportunities, strengthen communities, and help children take ownership of their future. Primarily targeting children up to age 10, older children may benefit if funds remain after initial sign-ups.
The Invest America accounts are expected to open on July 4, 2026, though detailed procedures are still being finalized. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that the accounts supplement Social Security rather than privatize it, calling them an additive benefit for future generations.
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Who is Michael Dell?
Michael Dell was born on February 23, 1965, in Houston, Texas. He is a billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist. At 19, while studying pre-med at the University of Texas, he started Dell Computer Corporation in his dorm room with just $1,000. He created a new way to sell computers directly to customers, letting them customize machines. This disrupted big companies like IBM and Compaq.
Dell became chairman and CEO and grew the company into the world’s largest PC maker by the early 2000s. In 2013, he led a $24.4 billion buyout to take the company private. In 2016, he merged Dell with EMC to create Dell Technologies, a Fortune 50 company worth over $100 billion. The company works in PCs, servers, storage, cloud, cybersecurity, and AI infrastructure.
As of December 2025, Michael Dell’s net worth is around $151 billion. He earned much of it from AI servers and VMware spin-offs. He is known for his calm personality, smart business moves, and philanthropy. Through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, he has donated over $2.5 billion to children’s health, education, and poverty programs. At 60, he continues to lead Dell Technologies and mentor young entrepreneurs.
Quick Personal Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Saul Dell |
| Date of Birth / Age | February 23, 1965 (60 years old in 2025) |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Parents | Lorraine Charlotte (mother) and Alexander Dell (father) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish heritage |
| Religion | Judaism |
| Education / College | Attended University of Texas at Austin (pre-med), dropped out at 19 to start Dell) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Businessman, Investor, Philanthropist |
| Michael Dell Family Office | DFO Management (manages wealth and investments) |
| Major Company / Ownership | Founder, Chairman & CEO of Dell Technologies; owns significant shares of the company |
| Wife | Susan Dell (married since October 28, 1989) |
| Children | 4 children: Zachary, Alexa, Juliette, Kira |
| Family / Siblings | Brother: Adam Dell |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approximately $151.4 billion |
| House | Houston, Texas; also owns multiple properties in the U.S. |
| Hobbies / Personal Interests | Enjoys outdoor activities like fishing; passionate about business and investing |
| Early Business Start | Began selling PC upgrade kits from his dorm room; launched PC’s Limited at age 19 |
| Philanthropy / Foundation | Cofounder of Michael & Susan Dell Foundation focusing on health, education, and social causes |
Michael Dell Wife and Children
Michael Dell has been married to Susan Dell since 1989. Susan is a fashion designer, philanthropist, and former runner. She co-founded the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation in 1999, donating over $2.5 billion to help children and families. They met on a blind date while Michael was at the University of Texas.
They live mainly in Austin, Texas, in a 33,000-square-foot estate called “the Castle.” The couple has four children: Alexa (1993), Zachary (1996), Juliette (1997), and Zara (2002). Their children mostly stay out of the public eye, with some involved in philanthropy and business. The Dells are known for their low-key lifestyle and are one of tech’s most powerful couples, celebrating 36 years of marriage in 2025.
Michael Dell’s Net Worth, House and Assets
Michael Dell has a net worth of about $151 billion as of December, 2025. Most of his wealth comes from his ~40% stake in Dell, boosted by AI-driven server and infrastructure sales, and smart investments through his family office DFO Management in stocks, hotels, and real estate.
Dell owns luxury properties worldwide, including his 33,000-square-foot Austin “Castle” with 8 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, pools, tennis court, and lake views, and an 18,500-square-foot oceanfront mansion in Hawaii’s Kukio community. His real estate holdings also include high-end resorts like Hualalai.
Michael Dell SEC Penalty
In July 2010, Michael Dell and Dell Inc. were fined by the U.S. SEC for accounting problems from 2002 to 2006. The company used payments from Intel to make their earnings look better than they really were. Dell Inc. paid a $100 million fine, and Michael Dell personally paid $4 million. Other executives, like former CEO Kevin Rollins ($4 million) and CFO James Schneider ($3 million), were also fined. No one admitted guilt. The SEC said the company was not clear in its financial reports. This was a rare case of a tech CEO being held responsible, though the fines were small compared to Dell’s wealth.
Conclusion
Michael Dell is the founder and CEO of Dell Technologies. He is known for changing the tech industry. At 27, he became one of the youngest CEOs of a Fortune 500 company in 1992. He has won many awards, including “Entrepreneur of the Year” and “CEO of the Year.”
Dell was inducted into the Technology Hall of Fame and received the Bower Award for Business Leadership. He also joined the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum. In 2023, Michael and his wife Susan were named the most generous philanthropists in the U.S. for giving over $1.1 billion through the Dell Foundation.
FAQs
Is Michael Dell Jewish?
Yes, Michael Dell was born to a Jewish family in Houston, Texas, in 1965. His parents were Lorraine Charlotte (stockbroker) and Alexander Dell (orthodontist). He supports Jewish causes, including funding the Dell Jewish Community Campus in Austin.
What is Michael Dell Education?
Michael Dell went to Herod Elementary School and Memorial High School in Houston. He enrolled as a pre-med student at the University of Texas at Austin in 1983 but dropped out at age 19 in 1984 to focus on starting Dell Computers in his dorm room.
Who is Michael Dell?
Michael Saul Dell is an American billionaire, businessman, investor, author, and philanthropist. He founded Dell Technologies at 19, pioneering direct-to-consumer PC sales. He grew it into a $100B+ tech company.
Michael Dell Book?
Michael Dell wrote two books: Direct from Dell (1999) and Play Nice But Win (2021). The first details his early life and business strategies. The second is a memoir about his corporate journey, including privatization, EMC merger, and leadership growth.
Michael Dell and Greg Hayes?
Michael Dell and Greg Hayes (former CEO of United Technologies/Raytheon) were both on President Trump’s Manufacturing Council in 2017. Hayes resigned after the Charlottesville events. Dell stayed until the council disbanded. They have no other notable direct connection.
Where Does Michael Dell Live?
Michael Dell lives in Austin, Texas, in a 33,000-square-foot mansion called “the Castle” on 119 acres overlooking Lake Austin. He also owns an 18,500-square-foot oceanfront estate in Hawaii, a $100M penthouse in NYC, a $10.9M Boston penthouse, and the 6D Ranch near Austin.
David Cordani and Michael Dell?
David Cordani (CEO of Cigna) has no direct professional or personal connection to Michael Dell. Both are prominent business leaders but have no known collaborations, deals, or joint projects.
