The Billionaire's New Chapter: Who Is Paula Hurd, Bill Gates' 'Serious Girlfriend' Now?

The question of "Who is Bill Gates dating now?" has finally been answered with definitive clarity and a fresh update. As of early 2025, the Microsoft co-founder has officially confirmed that his "serious girlfriend" is Paula Hurd, a former technology executive, philanthropist, and the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd. This new, high-profile relationship marks a significant chapter in the billionaire's life following his highly publicized 2021 divorce from Melinda French Gates. The couple's bond, which began quietly in the years following Gates’ divorce, has blossomed into a committed partnership, focusing on shared passions like tennis and philanthropy. Gates, in a February 2025 interview, publicly expressed his happiness, stating he was "lucky" to have Paula, putting to rest years of speculation and marking a new era for one of the world's most influential figures.

Paula Hurd: A Detailed Biography of Bill Gates' Partner

Paula Hurd is much more than just the partner of a famous billionaire; she is a highly accomplished individual in her own right, with a decades-long career in the technology sector and a strong commitment to philanthropy. Her background in the tech world provides a natural, intellectual connection with Bill Gates.

• Full Name: Paula Rene Hurd (née Kalupa)
• Date of Birth: April 27, 1962
• Age (as of 2025): 63 years old
• Birthplace: San Antonio, Texas, USA
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin (graduated 1984)
• Career: Former executive in sales and alliance management at NCR Corporation (National Cash Register) for nearly two decades
• Previous Marriage: Married to Mark Hurd, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Oracle, from 1990 until his death in 2019
• Children: Two daughters with Mark Hurd: Kelly Hurd (Baylor University alumna) and Kathryn Hurd
• Philanthropy: Active philanthropist, especially involved with her alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin, and serving as a board member for various organizations
• Estimated Net Worth: Varies significantly, with estimates ranging from $15 million to over $450 million, largely attributed to her career and her late husband’s estate

The Relationship Timeline: From Shared Courtside Seats to 'Serious Girlfriend'

The connection between Bill Gates and Paula Hurd is rooted in the high-stakes world of technology, but it truly blossomed over a mutual, less corporate interest: tennis. The couple ran in the same social and professional circles for years before they began dating, with their paths frequently crossing at major sporting events.

Pre-Divorce Connection: A Shared Love for Tennis

Even before the tragic passing of her husband, Mark Hurd, in 2019, and before Bill Gates' divorce from Melinda French Gates in 2021, Paula and Bill were often seen at the same tennis tournaments. Their shared passion for the sport provided a natural, low-pressure environment for a friendship to develop. This common ground is a crucial entity in understanding the foundation of their relationship.

2021: The Beginning of a New Chapter

Bill Gates' divorce from Melinda French Gates was finalized in August 2021, ending a 27-year marriage. Following this major life change, Bill and Paula began dating. The relationship was kept extremely private for the initial period, allowing them to build a strong foundation away from the intense media scrutiny that follows the Microsoft co-founder.

2022: Public Speculation and Sightings

The first major public speculation began in 2022 when the couple was spotted together at several high-profile tennis events. These included the BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells Open) in California and the Laver Cup in London. These appearances, while not official confirmations, signaled to the world that Gates was moving forward with his dating life.

2023: The Red Carpet Debut

The relationship gained a new level of formality in 2023. In October, Bill Gates and Paula Hurd made their red carpet debut at the Breakthrough Prize ceremony in Los Angeles. This event, often dubbed the "Oscars of Science," is a major philanthropic and social gathering, indicating their comfort in publicly acknowledging their partnership.

2024–2025: Official Confirmation and Future Plans

The relationship reached its most defined status in early 2025. In a candid interview on the *Today* show, Bill Gates confirmed Paula Hurd was his "serious girlfriend," stating, "We're having fun. We're going to the Olympics." This confirmation was significant, as Gates rarely speaks about his personal life in such detail. The couple's future plans, including attending the 2024 Paris Olympics, further underscore their commitment and shared interest in global events and travel. They have also been seen at other notable social events, such as the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, solidifying their place as a prominent couple in the world of tech billionaires and philanthropy.

The Common Ground: How Paula Hurd Fits into Bill Gates' World

The success of the partnership between Bill Gates and Paula Hurd stems from their deeply intertwined backgrounds and shared values, which extend far beyond their mutual love for tennis. This alignment provides a stable and intellectually stimulating environment for their relationship.

A Shared Tech Industry Heritage

Paula Hurd's professional history as a former executive at NCR Corporation means she possesses an intimate understanding of the high-pressure, high-stakes technology world that Bill Gates helped create. Furthermore, her late husband, Mark Hurd, held CEO positions at two tech giants, HP and Oracle, placing Paula at the nexus of the industry for decades. This shared context eliminates the need for explanation and provides a foundation of mutual professional respect and understanding.

Philanthropic Alignment and Family Values

Both Bill Gates and Paula Hurd are dedicated to philanthropy. While Gates remains focused on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Paula has a strong track record of charitable giving and involvement, particularly in education and the arts. Their shared commitment to using their resources for the greater good is a powerful unifying force. Moreover, both are parents to adult children. Gates has three children with Melinda French Gates: Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe. Paula has two daughters, Kelly and Kathryn. Navigating the complexities of family life after divorce and loss is a shared experience that adds depth to their personal bond.

A Mature, Post-Divorce Partnership

The relationship is characterized as a mature partnership between two individuals who have experienced significant life events, including the end of a long marriage and the loss of a spouse. Gates has openly reflected on his divorce, calling it "the mistake I most regret," which contextualizes his current happiness with Paula as a hard-won second chance at love and companionship. The relationship with Paula Hurd signifies a positive and grounded new chapter for Bill Gates, highlighting that life, love, and meaningful connection can indeed continue and flourish after major personal transitions. They are enjoying their time, attending global events, and building a life together based on shared history, intellectual parity, and common interests.