Michael Dell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Dell
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Dell in 2021
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Michael Saul Dell
February 23, 1965 Houston, Texas, U.S.
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| Education | University of Texas at Austin (dropped out) |
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Susan Lynn Lieberman
(m. 1989) |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Adam Dell (brother) |
Michael Saul Dell (born February 23, 1965) is a very successful American businessman and investor. He is famous for starting and leading Dell Technologies, which is one of the biggest companies in the world for computer technology.
As of 2026, experts like Bloomberg Billionaires Index and Forbes say he is among the wealthiest people globally, with a net worth of about US$181 billion. This wealth comes from his large ownership in Dell and other investments.
In January 2013, Michael Dell made a big decision to buy back Dell Inc. and make it a private company. This meant it was no longer traded on the stock market. The company officially became private in October 2013. Later, in December 2018, Dell Technologies became a public company again.
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Michael Dell's Early Life and Education
Michael Dell was born in Houston, Texas, in 1965. His father was an orthodontist, and his mother was a stockbroker. From a young age, Michael showed a strong interest in business. When he was just eight years old, he even tried to take a test to finish high school early so he could start working!
As a teenager, he was very smart with his money. He invested what he earned from part-time jobs into things like stocks and valuable metals. While attending Memorial High School, he sold newspaper subscriptions. He learned how to find the best customers, like newlyweds or people moving to new homes. This smart approach helped him earn a lot of money, even hiring other people to help him.
His parents hoped he would become a doctor, so he started studying medicine at the University of Texas in 1983. However, his business was growing fast. After making nearly $200,000 in profit in his first year, Michael Dell decided to leave college at age 19 to focus entirely on his company.
Building Dell: A Business Journey
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Michael Dell began his computer business right from his dorm room at the University of Texas. He would buy computer parts, put them together, and sell upgraded computers. He soon realized that by selling computers directly to customers, he could offer better prices than traditional stores.
In 1984, he officially started his company, calling it "PC's Limited." He worked from a small office, selling many computer parts and upgrades. His unique idea was to build computers only after customers ordered them. This helped save money and keep prices low. Later that year, the company became "Dell Computer Corporation." It started with just $1,000 and a small team of people assembling computers.
Michael Dell quickly became a major player in the tech world. By 1992, at only 27 years old, he was the youngest CEO to lead a company on Fortune magazine's list of the top 500 corporations. In 1996, Dell started selling computers online, which was a new and exciting way to reach customers. Soon, dell.com was making about $1 million in sales every day!
By 2001, Dell became the world's largest maker of personal computers. This was a huge achievement, showing how successful Michael Dell's direct-sales approach had become.
Michael Dell stepped down as CEO in 2004 but remained the chairman. He returned as CEO in 2007 to lead the company again. In 2013, he worked with partners to make Dell a private company once more. This was a big deal that helped the company focus on long-term goals.
In 2015, Dell Inc. made a historic move by buying another large tech company called EMC Corporation. This was one of the biggest deals in technology history, costing $67 billion. This acquisition helped Dell Technologies become even stronger in providing technology solutions to businesses. More recently, in May 2024, Dell announced a partnership with Nvidia and ServiceNow to create "AI factories," which will help businesses use advanced artificial intelligence.
Addressing Company Challenges
In July 2010, Dell Inc. faced a challenge regarding how it reported some financial information. The company made an agreement to resolve this issue with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This agreement helped the company move forward.
Awards and Recognitions for Michael Dell
Michael Dell has received many important awards for his business leadership. He was named "Entrepreneur of the Year" when he was just 24. He has also been recognized as a "Top CEO in American Business" and "CEO of the Year" by various magazines. In 1998, he received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement, and in 2013, he earned the Franklin Institute's Bower Award for Business Leadership. These awards celebrate his innovative spirit and success in the business world.
Michael Dell's Global Connections
Michael Dell is involved with many important groups around the world. He serves on the board of the World Economic Forum, which brings together leaders to discuss global issues. He is also part of the International Business Council and the U.S. Business Council.
He has advised U.S. presidents on science and technology. For example, he was reappointed to the U.S. President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology by President Donald Trump in 2026. During the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, he was part of a special group in Texas that worked to find safe ways to reopen the state. He also advised a technology group focused on solutions for the pandemic.
Books Written by Michael Dell
Michael Dell has shared his experiences and lessons in two books. His first book, Direct from Dell: Strategies That Revolutionized an Industry, was published in 1999. It tells the story of his early life, how he started his company, and the challenges and successes he faced.
His second book, Play Nice But Win: A CEO's Journey from Founder to Leader, came out in 2021. This book explores the important decisions and moments that shaped him as a leader. Both books offer insights into building a successful business.
Michael Dell's Family Life
Michael Dell married Susan Lieberman on October 28, 1989, in Austin, Texas. They live in Austin with their four children.
Wealth and Giving Back: Philanthropy
Michael Dell and his family are known for their generous giving. In 1998, he started MSD Capital L.P. (now called DFO Management) to manage his family's investments.
In 1999, Michael and Susan Dell created the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. This foundation works to improve health and education, especially for children. Susan Dell has shared that they have given away over $3 billion in the past 26 years, with most of it going to help children. This makes them one of the top charitable givers in the United States.
In December 2025, Michael and Susan Dell announced a major donation of $6.25 billion. This money was given to special investment accounts for children in the United States. The goal is to provide $250 to 25 million children aged 10 or under, who were born before January 1, 2025, and live in areas with lower incomes. The Dells hope that other generous people, companies, and governments will also contribute to these accounts to help more children save for their futures.
See also
In Spanish: Michael Dell para niños
