Topic
5 facts from 3 episodes, in date order. These are what speakers said on the shows, each linked to the moment it was said. They aren't independently verified.
1974
In December 1974 Paul Allen saw the January issue of Popular Electronics, which featured the Altair 8800 microcomputer, and showed it to Bill Gates.
“Paul is walking across Harvard Square and he sees in a newsstand the January issue of Popular Electronics.”
1975
Microsoft was founded as a partnership between Bill Gates and Paul Allen on April 4, 1975.
“So, we are sitting here on April 5th recording. That was April 4th, 1975.”
1980
According to Paul Allen's memoir, IBM paid Microsoft $75,000 for testing and consultation and $45,000 for DOS.
“IBM paid Microsoft $75,000 for testing and consultation, $45,000 for DOS.”
Undated
Paul Allen secretly funded the SpaceShipOne project with roughly $20 million, according to the host's recollection.
“on the order of 20-ish million into the project to fund the thing”
Undated
Paul Allen owned TechTV and kept funding the money-losing network.
“So Paul Allen owned it and he was pouring a lot of money into it to keep it alive.”
Episodes