Investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen creates and advances world-class projects and high-impact initiatives that change and improve the way people live, learn, work, and experience the world through arts, education, entertainment, sports, business, and technology. He co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1976; remained the company's chief technologist until he left Microsoft in 1983; and is the founder and chairman of Vulcan Inc., chairman of Charter Communications (the fourth largest US cable provider), and owner of TechTV. In addition, Allen's multibillion dollar investment portfolio includes large stakes in DreamWorks SKG, Oxygen Media, and more than 50 other technology, media, and content companies. Allen also owns the Seattle Seahawks NFL and Portland Trail Blazers NBA franchises.

Named one of the top 15 philanthropists in America, Allen gives back to the community through the six Paul G. Allen Foundations, which strengthen communities and support vulnerable populations in the areas of arts, health and human services, medical research and technology in education. Allen is also founder of Experience Music Project, Seattle's critically-acclaimed interactive music museum; the forthcoming Science Fiction Experience Museum (opening summer 2004); and Vulcan Productions, the independent film production company behind Todd Haynes's Far From Heaven, the 2001 Evolution series on PBS, and this year's The Blues, executive produced by Martin Scorsese in conjunction with Allen and Jody Patton.