Ballmer attended Harvard University, where he met Gates. While Gates dropped out to start Microsoft, Ballmer graduated in 1977 with degrees in applied mathematics and economics.

Bill Gates found a kindred spirit, a social connector, a confidant, a study buddy, and a true business partner in Steve Ballmer, he writes in his new memoir, "Source Code: My Beginnings." Gates ...

Gates co-founded Microsoft with the late Paul Allen in 1975. He hired Ballmer, his Harvard classmate, five years later, becoming the company’s 30th employee and first business manager.

Bill Gates (left) and Steve Ballmer at a press conference in 2000. Ballmer officially retired from Microsoft in early 2014 and was replaced by current CEO Satya Nadella. Since then, he and Gates ...

Ballmer attended Harvard University, where he met Gates. While Gates dropped out to start Microsoft, Ballmer graduated in 1977 with degrees in applied mathematics and economics.

Bill Gates, seated right, at Harvard University, with his freshman yearbook image projected behind him. ... Steve Ballmer decided I needed to have some exposure to, I guess, drinking.

Steve Ballmer mirrored Bill Gates' energy, boosted his social life, and became the round-the-clock business partner he needed. ... when the pair were undergraduates at Harvard University.