Michael Dell Biography
Michael Dell is an American businessman, entrepreneur, and technology executive best known as the founder and CEO of Dell Technologies. Born on February 23, 1965, in Houston, Texas, he developed an interest in business and technology during childhood.
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At 19, Dell founded PC’s Limited in 1984 while studying at the University of Texas at Austin. He started the company with just $1,000 and focused on building computers according to customers’ needs. Soon afterward, he left college to concentrate on growing the business.
Michael Dell quickly transformed his startup into a major computer company. In 1988, the company went public and raised $30 million through its initial public offering. By 1992, Dell became the youngest CEO to appear on the Fortune 500 list at age 27.
Over the following decades, Dell expanded beyond personal computers into enterprise technology. In 2013, Michael Dell and Silver Lake Partners took Dell private in a $24.9 billion transaction. The company later combined with EMC and VMware, creating Dell Technologies in 2016.
Today, Michael Dell remains chairman and CEO of Dell Technologies. He also leads DFO Management and supports global philanthropy through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. In 2025, he and Susan Dell committed $6.25 billion toward investment accounts for 25 million American children.
Michael Dell Age: How Old Is Dell Technologies Founder?
Michael Dell is 61 years old as of October 2026. Born on February 23, 1965, in Houston, Texas, he developed an early interest in technology and business. At 19, Dell founded PC’s Limited while studying at the University of Texas. He later transformed the company into Dell, a global technology leader. Today, Michael Dell serves as the chairman and CEO of Dell Technologies, continuing his influential career in the technology industry.
Michael Dell Height: How Tall is Michael Dell?
Michael Dell stands approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall, according to current biographical and body measurement sources. The Dell Technologies founder maintains a relatively average height compared with other prominent technology executives. However, his exact height has not been officially confirmed by Dell Technologies.
Michael Dell Education
Michael Dell attended the University of Texas at Austin after graduating from high school. He initially enrolled in a pre-med program, intending to pursue medicine. However, his growing interest in computers soon changed his career direction. During his freshman year in 1984, Dell started PC’s Limited from his dorm room with $1,000. He left the university after his first year to focus entirely on building his computer business.
Michael Dell Religion
Michael Dell was born into a Jewish family in Houston, Texas, on February 23, 1965. His father, Alexander Dell, worked as an orthodontist, while his mother, Lorraine Dell, worked as a stockbroker. Biographical sources document his Jewish heritage and family background. However, Michael rarely discusses his personal religious beliefs publicly, so his current religious practices remain unclear. His family has also supported Jewish community initiatives through philanthropic activities.
Michael Dell Young | Early Life & Childhood
Michael Dell grew up in Houston, Texas, where his father worked as an orthodontist and his mother worked as a stockbroker. From a young age, Dell showed strong curiosity about technology and business. He enjoyed taking apart telephones, radios, televisions, and other electronic devices to understand how they worked. At 15, he bought an early Apple computer and dismantled it out of curiosity. Later, while still in high school, Dell sold newspaper subscriptions and earned significant income. His entrepreneurial instincts continued into college, where he began selling computer upgrades.
Michael Dell Family: Parents & Siblings
Michael Dell was born to Alexander Dell and Lorraine Charlotte Dell in Houston, Texas. His father worked as an orthodontist, while his mother worked as a stockbroker and financial consultant. Michael grew up with two brothers, Steven and Adam Dell, making him the middle child. His younger brother, Adam Dell, pursued a career in law, business, and venture capital. Meanwhile, Michael built his career in technology and became the founder and CEO of Dell Technologies.
Michael Dell Wife | Spouse: Susan Dell
Michael Dell’s wife is Susan Dell, an American philanthropist and fashion entrepreneur. The couple met on a blind date in Austin, Texas, in February 1988, and married in October 1989. They have four children: Alexa, Kira, Juliette, and Zachary. Beyond raising their family, Susan built her own career in fashion, launching three labels, including the luxury brand Phi. In 1999, she and Michael co-founded the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, and economic opportunities worldwide. Their philanthropic work has included major investments in children’s health and education.
Michael Dell Children | Kids
Michael Dell and his wife, Susan Dell, have four children: Alexa, Kira, Juliette, and Zachary. Their children have pursued different interests and careers. Alexa Dell has explored technology entrepreneurship and welcomed a daughter in February 2026. Meanwhile, Zachary has pursued business ventures, while Juliette married sports entrepreneur Chase Chamberlin in 2024. Kira has also developed her own professional path. Although the Dell family maintains considerable privacy, their children occasionally attract attention through their careers, relationships, and philanthropic activities.
Michael Dell Son: Zach Dell
Michael Dell’s son, Zach Dell, is an entrepreneur building his own career in the energy sector. He co-founded Base Power in 2023 and serves as its CEO. The Austin-based company provides home battery systems that support backup power and help stabilize electricity grids. In 2026, Base Power raised $1 billion, reaching a reported $13 billion valuation. Although Michael Dell built his fortune through technology, Zach focuses on energy infrastructure. His company aims to meet rising electricity demand, particularly from expanding artificial intelligence data centers.
Michael Dell Career & Business: Dell Technology
Michael Dell launched his entrepreneurial career in 1984 at age 19, founding PC’s Limited with just $1,000. While studying at the University of Texas, he sold customized computers directly to customers. This approach reduced costs and helped his business grow rapidly. By 1987, the company had expanded internationally and adopted the name Dell Computer Corporation.
In 2013, Michael took Dell private to restructure the business and pursue long-term growth. Three years later, he led the combination with EMC, expanding its enterprise technology capabilities. Dell Technologies returned to public markets in 2018. Today, Michael serves as chairman and CEO, overseeing a global business focused on personal computers, servers, storage, networking, and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Michael Dell Family Office | DFO Management, Investments and Business Ventures
Michael Dell’s family office, DFO Management, manages investments for the Dell family. The firm began in 1998 as MSD Capital and adopted its current structure in late 2022. Based in New York, DFO invests across various asset classes, including private equity, real estate, and credit. Additionally, it pursues opportunities beyond technology. In 2026, DFO helped lead a proposed $7.7 billion acquisition of The Baldwin Group, an insurance brokerage. Through these investments, Michael Dell diversifies his wealth beyond Dell Technologies.
Michael Dell Charity: Foundation, Donations and Philanthropic Work
Michael and his wife, Susan Dell, co-founded the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation in 1999. The organization supports education, healthcare, family stability, and economic opportunities worldwide. Through grants, scholarships, and social investments, it helps children and families improve their lives. Its programs operate across the United States, India, Africa, and Israel. Additionally, the couple pledged $6.25 billion in 2025 to support investment accounts for 25 million American children. In 2026, they also announced a major healthcare gift to the University of Texas at Austin.
Michael Dell Quotes | Inspirational Words on Success and Business
Michael Dell’s quotes offer valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and success. As the founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, he emphasizes execution, curiosity, and learning from failure. His advice encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities and turn ideas into practical solutions.
Here are some memorable Michael Dell quotes:
- “Ideas are a commodity. Execution of them is not.”
- “Persistence is an all-important quality on the road to success.”
- “Daring to fail is the only path to meaningful growth.”
- “There’s always an opportunity to make a difference.”
Michael Dell Books | Author
Michael Dell has written two notable business books that explore entrepreneurship, leadership, and the growth of Dell Technologies. His first book, Direct from Dell: Strategies That Revolutionized an Industry (1999), explains his direct-sales strategy and the lessons behind building his computer company. Later, he co-authored Play Nice But Win: A CEO’s Journey from Founder to Leader (2021) with James Kaplan. The memoir explores Dell’s leadership challenges, major business battles, and transformation into a global technology leader. Both books offer valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Michael Dell Net Worth | How Rich Is the Dell Technologies Founder?
Michael Dell’s estimated net worth reached approximately $266 billion in September 2026, according to Forbes’ real-time billionaire rankings. The Dell Technologies founder built his fortune through computer manufacturing, strategic investments, and business acquisitions. He owns a substantial stake in Dell Technologies, which has benefited from rising demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. Additionally, his private investment firm, DFO Management, holds investments across various industries. However, his net worth fluctuates with stock prices and market conditions. Michael Dell remains one of the world’s wealthiest technology entrepreneurs.
Michael Dell Quick Facts
- Full Name: Michael Saul Dell
- Date of Birth: February 23, 1965
- Age: 61 years old (as of October 2026)
- Birthplace: Houston, Texas, United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Jewish-American heritage
- Religion: Jewish background
- Profession: Entrepreneur, investor, and business executive
- Famous For: Founding Dell Technologies
- Education: University of Texas at Austin
- Marital Status: Married
- Wife: Susan Dell
- Children: Four — Alexa, Kira, Juliette, and Zachary
- Company: Dell Technologies
- Position: Chairman and CEO
- Company Founded: 1984
- Investment Firm: DFO Management
- Foundation: Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $266.3 billion (September 2026 estimate)
- Residence: Austin, Texas, United States
- Books: Direct from Dell and Play Nice But Win
