Yes, Melinda French Gates is one of the most powerful women in philanthropy, but a heart that knows the power of giving also understands the power of love. After the end of her long marriage and a rumored fling with former Fox News correspondent Jon Du Pre, Melinda has found romance once more in Philip Vaughn. While her divorce was widely discussed, it’s time the world moves forward, just as Melinda has, focusing on her current love.
Three years after her divorce in 2021, the founder of Pivotal Ventures has found love anew. In an interview with Time, the 60-year-old shared that she was seeking someone “open to learning, vibrant, smart, and challenging.” It seems she manifested this in Philip Vaughn, a man who has charmed the ex-wife of centibillionaire Bill Gates.
From ex-Microsoft employee to Melinda’s beau
According to his LinkedIn profile, Philip Vaughn worked as a computer programmer at Microsoft from 1999 to 2008. With nearly nine years at the company, it’s possible he crossed paths with Melinda, who is worth $30 billion today, though it’s unclear if they met there. Vaughn started as a consultant and was promoted to program manager and then to group manager from 2005 to 2008, overseeing data replication and synchronization projects. Regardless of how they met, their shared Microsoft connection surely adds a common thread to their story.
He is a serial entrepreneur
After his time at Microsoft, Vaughn pursued several ventures. In 2009, he partnered with former Microsoft colleague Rafik Robeal to launch Raveable, a website that ranked hotels by analyzing user reviews, helping travelers avoid bad experiences. This was followed by his involvement with Techstars, the startup accelerator co-founded by Colorado Governor Jared Polis. Vaughn’s entrepreneurial journey culminated in 2013 with Tavour, a craft beer delivery company. Today, he serves as executive chairman of Tavour, which taps into the craft beer movement by sourcing unique brews from independent breweries across the country. According to Pitchbook, the app has already raised $2.05 million from investors.
Of budding romances and fancy dinner dates
Recently, Melinda and Philip enjoyed a cozy dinner at Le Bernardin in Midtown Manhattan, basking in public attention as a new couple. They showed all the signs of fresh romance, walking hand-in-hand, smiling, and sharing conversation. Philip even helped Melinda into his SUV after dinner, a sweet display of chivalry.
Melinda French Gates was previously linked to a former Fox reporter
In 2022, Melinda was briefly linked to Jon Du Pre, a former Fox News correspondent. A basketball game they attended together, paired with a noticeable diamond ring, quickly fueled dating rumors. However, a spokesperson confirmed in April 2024, that the two had parted ways.
Both Melinda and Bill Gates appear to be in a better place following the termination of their 27-year marriage. The world’s fourteenth richest man, worth $103 billion, is dating Paula Hurd, a tennis enthusiast and former vice president of services at NCR, where she led a global team managing strategic partnerships. Hurd, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas, also serves as chairperson of the Universal Tennis Foundation. While Melinda and Philip’s relationship is relatively new, Gates and Hurd have been together for over a year.
