Venice, June 26, 2025 Move over jet-setters! When Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates rolled into the enchanting Madonna dell’Orto cloister in Venice with his globe-trotting partner Paula Hurd, all eyes were on the power couple. Hosted as the wedding welcome party for Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, this exclusive soirée oozed high-end glam and celebrity drama.
Venetian Vibes & VIP Attendees
Late Thursday evening, paparazzi at Venice Marco Polo Airport snapped Gates in his signature sleek black suit—white shirt crisp as ever. By sunset, Paula Hurd had matched the energy with an off-the-shoulder black gown, sparkling jewels, and timeless elegance.
But this wasn’t just a billionaire reunion—it was a celebrity magnet. The guest list read like a Hollywood roster:
- Kim & Khloé Kardashian
- Kendall & Kylie Jenner
- Tom Brady
- Orlando Bloom
- Oprah Winfrey & Gayle King
- Kris Jenner (with Corey Gamble)
… and more A-listers all converging in romantic Venice.
With lavish decor, candlelit canals, and Italian renaissance glam, it was the ultimate celebrity wedding scoop.
Gates & Hurd: Venice Red Carpet Power Couple
Remember when they made waves at Bezos and Sánchez’s engagement extravaganza in August 2023? Aboard Bezos’ superyacht off the Amalfi Coast, they cemented their place in the billionaire-circles spotlight.
Then came April 2024, red-carpet debut at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony—Paula dazzled in feathers, Gates rocked classic black tie.
They’ve also batted marriage rumors and denied engagement speculation—Paula’s ring? Not an engagement ring, just a family heirloom
Dating Timeline & Public Acknowledgements
- September 2022: First spotted at the Laver Cup in London.
- January 2023: Seen at the Australian Open
- February 2023: PEOPLE confirms their romance but “she hasn’t met his kids yet,” insiders said.
- February 2025: Gates goes public on the Today Show, calling himself “lucky to have a serious girlfriend named Paula.” They’ve “been having fun… going to the Olympics and lots of great things” together.
- Gates even gives her a big shout-out in his memoir Source Code: My Beginnings, crediting her as an early reader who offered “thoughtful and insightful feedback”
Who Is Paula Hurd?
Background & Career
- Born Paula Kalupa in 1962, Hurd graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1984, earning a BBA in Business Administration
- Spent 17 years at NCR Corporation in sales and alliance management. Later founded MPH Family Investments, managing her late husband’s estate and her own investment portfolio
Philanthropy & Board Roles
- Widowed in 2019 after the death of husband Mark Hurd, ex-CEO of HP and Oracle, who had amassed a fortune (~$150 million) and leaves behind two daughters, Kathryn and Kelly
- Paula is known as a philanthropist:
- Donated $7 million to Baylor University’s Give Light campaign in 2021
- Funder of the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center (opened September 2023)
- Serves on Baylor University’s Board of Regents since 2020 .
- Donated $7 million to Baylor University’s Give Light campaign in 2021
- Sports-minded: Chairperson of the Universal Tennis Foundation, sponsoring annual awards and tennis grants to support college pros transitioning to the Big Leagues
Fortune & Lifestyle
- Reported net worth ranges widely from $4 million to $35 million depending on sources
- Former Silicon Valley resident, involved in event organization, strategic philanthropy, and exclusive charity ventures .
Why Their Venice Appearance Matters
Elite Society Mix
Gates and Hurd mingling with Bezos, Kardashians, Bloom, Oprah? It’s the ultimate “who’s who” moment, signaling deep ties in the billionaire celeb ecosystem.
Cultural Cache
From tech moguls to Hollywood royalty, these gatherings shape modern celebrity dynamics—yacht parties, romantic getaways, lavish engagements. They define the 1%, not just by wealth, but social capital.
Power Couple Vibes
Bill & Paula’s low-key yet consistent public presence—sporting events, Olympics, now celebrity weddings—signals a united front. It’s casual, but intentional: they’re together, but not over the top.
Conclusion
They say behind every great man is a great woman, Paula Hurd isn’t just walking behind, she’s alongside Bill Gates, shaping his public image with grace, philanthropy, and social savvy. At Bezos’s Venice bash, they weren’t just another couple they owned it.
In true tabloid style, Venus was the backdrop, billionaires were the players, and Gates and Hurd? They were the unexpected scene-stealers. And somewhere between tech news and celebrity gossip, this is one romance that’s rewriting the billionaire fairytale.
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FAQs
Who is Paula Hurd, Bill Gates’ girlfriend?
Paula Hurd is a businesswoman, philanthropist, and the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd. She has a background in tech partnerships and sales and is currently active in education funding and event organization.
What is Paula Hurd’s net worth?
Estimates vary, but sources place her net worth between $4 million to $35 million. She inherited a significant fortune from her late husband and has her own investments in tech and philanthropy sectors.
When did Bill Gates and Paula Hurd start dating?
They were first publicly linked in September 2022, spotted at the Laver Cup. Their relationship was confirmed in February 2023, nearly two years after Gates’ divorce from Melinda French Gates.
Why did Bill Gates and Paula Hurd attend Jeff Bezos’ wedding party?
As fellow billionaires and high-profile figures in the tech world, Gates and Bezos share social circles. Their appearance at the Venice event reflects the intersection of tech leadership and celebrity culture.
Are Bill Gates and Paula Hurd engaged or married?
As of now, they are not engaged or married. Gates confirmed the relationship publicly in 2025 but clarified they’re simply enjoying their time together.
Ember is an experienced content creator specializing in technology, travel, and heartfelt messages. Through TechlyLife.info, Ember delivers reliable, engaging, and meaningful content that connects with readers across all walks of life.