The moment we hear “Dell,” an image of a laptop or computer comes to mind. But Dell Technologies does not just sell computers or laptops. It also provides infrastructure to various organizations and governments to help build a digital future. 

This company, which has played a significant role in transforming the information technology sector for decades, is now regarded as trustworthy and reliable for its customers’ data security and privacy. Even as other major tech companies have repeatedly faced controversy over data security, Dell has maintained its credibility. 

In 2026, Dell Technologies was listed by Ethisphere for the 14th time among the world’s “Most Ethical Companies.” Fortune has described it as one of the world’s most admirable and excellent workplaces. Similarly, Forbes has named it one of the best employers for women in America. Newsweek has also praised it as an outstanding workplace. 

The founder of this company is Michael Dell. Michael was born on February 23, 1965, in Houston, Texas. From a young age, he demonstrated remarkable abilities in business and technology. His father was a dentist and his mother a stockbroker. Their dream was for Dell to become a successful doctor. But he was drawn to business. 

At the age of 12, Michael demonstrated his business acumen by earning his first $2,000 selling stamps to collectors. At 15, he bought his first computer, an Apple II, secondhand. After that, he began to take apart and study its components. While in high school, he started distributing subscriptions for the Houston Post newspaper. Through this job, he earned $18,000. Michael has often said that this experience taught him valuable lessons about targeted marketing and data analysis.

In 1983, Michael enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin for pre-medical studies. But his real interest was in the rapidly developing personal computer (PC) industry. Michael began upgrading PCs from his dorm room. 

At that time, computers were expensive. They were available only in limited designs, so customers had few choices. There were also middlemen who bought goods wholesale from companies and set their own prices. Michael saw an opportunity to eliminate the middlemen and sell custom-built PCs directly to customers at competitive prices. 

“By selling directly to customers, I realized we could better understand their needs and provide even better products at lower costs,” Michael recalls.

With a capital of $1,000, he officially registered the company in 1984. Initially, it was called “PC’s Limited.” It would only assemble Dell-branded computers after receiving customer orders. As a result, there was no risk of unsold inventory piling up. The direct-to-customer model also made the company quickly popular. In addition, Dell’s computers were available at comparatively lower prices. 

With a capital of $1,000, he officially registered the company in 1984. Initially, it was called “PC’s Limited.” It would only assemble Dell-branded computers after receiving customer orders. In the very first year, Michael earned $6 million from computer sales. The direct relationship with customers also helped the company improve its weaknesses. In 1988, PC’s Limited went public. It raised $30 million. After that, the company was renamed “Dell Computer Corporation.” In 1988, Dell married his girlfriend Susan Lieberman. Susan is a fashion designer by profession. The couple has four children. 

By 1992, at the age of 27, Michael Dell was the youngest chief executive officer (CEO) ever listed in the Fortune 500. Dell’s efforts to manufacture computers according to individual customer preferences eventually became the industry standard. Dell was one of the major companies to promote e-commerce. In 1997, Dell was selling $1 million worth of computers online every day. Together with his wife Susan, Michael established the “Michael and Susan Dell Foundation” in 1999. The foundation has made significant contributions to child health and education. 

In 2004, Dell resigned as CEO and handed over leadership to Kevin Rollins. But as competition in computer manufacturing intensified, the company’s business began to decline. In 2006, Hewlett-Packard overtook Dell as the world’s largest computer manufacturer. Sensing the need for change, Michael returned as CEO in 2007. He then began transforming the company, which had built its image as a computer manufacturer, into a provider of comprehensive IT services and solutions. 

Michael has always said that the human aspect of technology should be prioritized. He believes technology should enable individuals and businesses to achieve even greater accomplishments. “Our goal was never just to sell computers. It is to provide tools that help people solve their problems and achieve their goals,” he says. 

After returning as CEO for the second time, Michael said, “It feels like we’re back in 1984. To remain relevant in the eyes of customers, we had to reinvent ourselves.” After this, Michael continued to expand the company’s services. The company made major investments in cloud computing and data analytics. 

In 2015, Michael announced the acquisition of EMC Corporation for $67 billion. At that time, EMC had the world’s largest corporate data storage and cloud computing capabilities. The company was also a global leader in cybersecurity. This acquisition transformed Dell from a computer manufacturer into the world’s leading technology company providing digital IT infrastructure. 

According to Forbes’ latest data, Dell ranks fifth on the magazine’s list of the world’s richest people. Forbes shows he has assets worth $239 billion. The business journey that began in a dorm room is now a leading company in the technology sector. Many entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs around the world draw inspiration from Michael’s biography.