[GUEST ACCESS MODE: Data is scrambled or limited to provide examples. Make requests using your API key to unlock full data. Check https://lunarcrush.ai/auth for authentication information.]  Benzinga [@Benzinga](/creator/twitter/Benzinga) on x 305.9K followers Created: 2025-07-15 01:59:50 UTC Before marrying Melinda French in 1994, Bill Gates had an unusual arrangement: each spring, he would spend a long weekend at the beach with his ex-girlfriend, venture capitalist Ann Winblad — with Melinda’s full approval. The annual getaway took place at Winblad’s cottage in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. According to a 1997 Time profile by Walter Isaacson, the two would walk on the beach, ride dune buggies, and even play putt-putt while discussing topics like biotechnology. “We share our thoughts about the world and ourselves,” Winblad said at the time. Gates and Winblad had dated from 1984 to 1987 and remained close even after breaking up. Before proposing to Melinda, Gates called Winblad to ask for her blessing. She gave it, saying Melinda had the “intellectual stamina” to keep up with him. The arrangement might seem strange by today’s standards, but Gates framed it as a sign of mutual respect and a deep intellectual bond — not romance. The tradition resurfaced in public conversations after Bill and Melinda announced their divorce in 2021, reigniting curiosity about their marriage. In a world of tech moguls and high-profile relationships, Gates’ yearly retreat with an ex stands out as one of the more unconventional footnotes.  XXXXX engagements  **Related Topics** [seed funding](/topic/seed-funding) [bill gates](/topic/bill-gates) [Post Link](https://x.com/Benzinga/status/1944939933342347677)
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Benzinga @Benzinga on x 305.9K followers
Created: 2025-07-15 01:59:50 UTC
Before marrying Melinda French in 1994, Bill Gates had an unusual arrangement: each spring, he would spend a long weekend at the beach with his ex-girlfriend, venture capitalist Ann Winblad — with Melinda’s full approval.
The annual getaway took place at Winblad’s cottage in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. According to a 1997 Time profile by Walter Isaacson, the two would walk on the beach, ride dune buggies, and even play putt-putt while discussing topics like biotechnology. “We share our thoughts about the world and ourselves,” Winblad said at the time.
Gates and Winblad had dated from 1984 to 1987 and remained close even after breaking up. Before proposing to Melinda, Gates called Winblad to ask for her blessing. She gave it, saying Melinda had the “intellectual stamina” to keep up with him.
The arrangement might seem strange by today’s standards, but Gates framed it as a sign of mutual respect and a deep intellectual bond — not romance. The tradition resurfaced in public conversations after Bill and Melinda announced their divorce in 2021, reigniting curiosity about their marriage.
In a world of tech moguls and high-profile relationships, Gates’ yearly retreat with an ex stands out as one of the more unconventional footnotes.
XXXXX engagements
Related Topics seed funding bill gates