What was Bill Gates' approximate net worth in 2012?

Bill Gates' approximate net worth in 2012 was around 61 billion dollars, primarily due to his success as co-founder of Microsoft and subsequent investments. This amount was indicative of a significant recovery from the economic downturn that affected wealth globally in the previous years, particularly in 2008-2009. By 2012, Gates was actively engaged in philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which also played a role in shaping public perception of his wealth, as he often emphasized giving back to society. The figures around 50 billion, 75 billion, and 100 billion do not accurately reflect Gates' wealth during that specific year, as his net worth fluctuated within a narrower band based on market conditions and his financial activities at that time. Thus, the choice of approximately 61 billion aligns with documented financial assessments for that period.