Larson runs Gates' personal investment company Cascade Investment LLC, funded solely by Gates. At one time, Gates' wealth depended solely on Microsoft. But for years he's been selling off his Microsoft stake. The common perception is that he's been using the proceeds from those sales directly for charity.

How much money does Bill Gates have? Is he the richest in the world? | World | News | supuwufif.web.fc2.com

That's not entirely how it works. Although Gates makes his own investments in tech, it is Larson, through Cascade, who has taken Gate's money and diversified it. Gates now has vast holdings in real estate and nontech companies like the Canadian National Railway Co.

It is these vast holdings that help fund the Gates' donations. In February, Gates celebrated 20 years of this partnership by throwing a gala to honor Larson at his Seattle mansion, reports the WSJ. It was a rare occasion where the two men socialized with each other. Apparently, they aren't buddies and don't hang out much, sources told the Journal. At the party, Gates told guests he has "complete trust and faith" in Larson, meaning that Larson invests Gates' money, buying and selling, with complete autonomy.

And he does it all under a cover of such ferocious secrecy that he's been nicknamed "the Gateskeeper. Although publicly traded companies do reveal when Cascade has invested heavily in them, Larson has all sorts of tricks for keeping Cascade's and Bill Gates' name out of other investments, sources told the Journal.

For instance, he makes employees sign confidentiality agreements which cover them even after they leave. This helps him find new investment ideas, but it also helps cover the trail. When Cascade was part of an investment group that bought the Ritz-Carlton hotel in San Francisco, the publicist didn't even know Cascade, and Bill Gates, was among them. He's also been known to fire up a limited liability corporation to make real estate purchases, to keep Cascade's name off the deal and the deed.

He's so good at hiding the trail that most people don't know that Gates, through Cascade, owns a significant stake in the Four Seasons luxury-hotel chain. And he's frugal with the bosses' money, too. Apparently, Cascade employees, of whom there are about , are not allowed to stay at the Four Seasons when traveling on business, even if that business is on behalf of the Four Seasons.

14 Interesting Facts About Microsoft's CEO Bill Gates' Money

They must choose a lower-cost, less luxurious hotel. And ultimately, the money will go to charity. Tech market is nowhere near the dotcom days.

How augmented reality is changing the way we work. You are using an outdated version of Internet Explorer.

For security reasons you should upgrade your browser. Please go to Windows Updates and install the latest version. Trending Tech Insider Finance Politics Strategy Life Sports Video All.

This Man Making Bill Gates So Wealthy - Business Insider

You have successfully emailed the post. This Is The Man Making Bill Gates So Rich.

His secret weapon is a man you have probably never heard of: But until then, Larson is making it grow. Recommended For You Powered by Sailthru. Thanks to our partners. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Disclaimer Commerce Policy Made in NYC. Stock quotes by finanzen.