Paul Gardner Allen was born in Seattle, Washington, to Kenneth Sam Allen and Edna Faye Allen. His father was an associate director of libraries for the University of Washington, and his mother was a schoolteacher. His early exposure to books and learning fostered a lifelong intellectual curiosity and love for science and technology.

A pivotal moment in Allen's life occurred when he met Bill Gates at Lakeside School, a private school in Seattle. Their shared passion for computers and programming quickly forged a close friendship and partnership. The school's teletype terminal and access to computer time were instrumental in nurturing their early coding skills.

After Allen dropped out of Washington State University and Gates left Harvard, they officially co-founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Allen's crucial role involved licensing the operating system Q-DOS (Quick and Dirty Operating System), which was adapted to become MS-DOS, the foundation of Microsoft's success. He served as Microsoft's chief technologist, driving innovation in its early years.

In the early 1980s, Allen was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a form of cancer. This life-altering experience led him to re-evaluate his priorities and eventually leave his active role at Microsoft in 1983. While he remained on the board, his focus shifted towards pursuing his varied interests and philanthropic endeavors.

Allen founded Vulcan Inc., his private investment firm, which became the vehicle for his diverse business and philanthropic activities. Through Vulcan, he invested in various sectors, including real estate, media, and technology. This venture allowed him to explore new frontiers and pursue his passion projects independently.

Allen acquired the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1988, marking his entry into the world of sports ownership. He was a passionate fan and actively involved in the team's operations, demonstrating his commitment to the city of Portland and its community.

Demonstrating his devotion to his hometown, Allen purchased the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL) in 1997. His ownership ensured the team remained in Seattle and contributed significantly to the revitalization of the city's sporting culture. He later became a minority owner of the Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer (MLS) as well.

Allen established the Allen Institute for Brain Science in 2003, a non-profit research organization dedicated to accelerating the understanding of the human brain. This marked a significant contribution to neuroscience and underscored his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and improving human health.

Allen financed and led the expedition that successfully located the wreckage of the USS Indianapolis in the Philippine Sea. The ship sank in 1945 after being torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, and the discovery provided closure for the families of the lost sailors and was a testament to Allen's passion for maritime exploration and historical preservation.

Paul Allen passed away on October 15, 2018, from complications related to Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. His death marked the end of an era, leaving behind a profound legacy in technology, philanthropy, sports, and scientific exploration. His contributions continue to impact numerous fields and inspire future generations.