*By Carlo Versano*
Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates and went on to become one of the country's most prolific philanthropists and technologists, died Monday at 65.
His company Vulcan released a [statement](http://www.vulcan.com/News/Articles/2018/Statement-on-Paul-G-Allen) saying the cause was non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which Allen had battled on and off for years.
Allen and Gates famously started Microsoft ($MSFT) in 1975 after dropping out of college and partnering to write computer code for early PCs. The break that would elevate their tiny company ー whose name was a *portmanteau* of "microcomputer software" that Allen came up with ー and make both men fabulously wealthy came when IBM ($IBM) chose it as the software supplier for that company's first personal computer.
Allen left Microsoft in the early 80s but remained on the board until 2000. Current CEO Satya Nadella said in a statement: "As co-founder of Microsoft, in his own quiet and persistent way, he created magical products, experiences and institutions, and in doing so, he changed the world."
As Allen became one of the world's richest people ー Forbes [estimates](https://www.forbes.com/profile/paul-allen/#7bd56f414417) his estate to be worth at least $20 billion ー he became known for his charitable largesse, nowhere more so than in Seattle, where he lived. He also bought sports teams ー he was owner of the NFL's Seahawks and the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers ー turning them into billion-dollar franchises, opened cultural institutions, donated to local STEM non-profits, and re-developed a Seattle neighborhood that is now home to a booming science and tech industry, including the headquarters of Amazon ($AMZN). He was regularly [listed](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferwang/2018/10/15/the-greatest-givers-meet-americas-top-philanthropists/#42fc98bd1af1) among America's most generous givers.
Allen is survived by his sister Jody, who [said](http://www.vulcan.com/News/Articles/2018/Statement-on-Paul-G-Allen): " While most knew Paul Allen as a technologist and philanthropist, for us he was a much loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend."
New York City's famous subway system is currently facing scrutiny after several recent attacks on platforms. Now, local leaders in the Big Apple are calling on the MTA. To step in and take action.
On this episode of Cheddar Innovates: Evolution Devices CEO breaks down how the Evowalk wearable device can help those with walking impairments; Cresilon CEO explains how he's created a plant-based gel to easily treat wounds in both humans and animals; A look at Curiosity Stream's 'The Colorado Problem.'
Pier Mantovani, Founder and CEO of Evolution Devices, joins Cheddar Innovates to discuss how the Evowalk wearable device can help those with walking impairments, and how remote physical therapy is becoming a reality.
Joe Landolina, CEO and Co-Founder of Cresilon, joins Cheddar Innovates to discuss how he's created a plant-based gel to easily treat wounds in both humans and animals.
The virtual world of the metaverse continues to present a bright future for many artistic creators. A group of six mural artists from the Bay Area have decided to turn their painted and installed murals into a one-of-a-kind collectible. Thanks to NFTS these murals can be enhanced and extend far beyond just their physical walls. Muralist and Creative Director of the Bay Area mural program Rachel Wolfe Goldsmith, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
New York City ride-hailing app drivers are about to get a pay raise. According to the city's Mayor Eric Adams, New York will increase its minimum driver pay rate for both Uber and Lyft drivers. This means both platforms would now be required to pay their drivers a minimum of $1.61 cents per mile and about 0.50 cents per minute. Ultimately, the move would give riders at least a 5.3% race. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
A Senate bill unveiled on Wednesday looks to tackleonline safety for children by regulating Big Tech and social media platforms to deter users from content that can harm their mental health. Irene Ly, a policy counsel for the age-based ratings and review organization Common Sense Media, joined Cheddar News to break down the potential of the Kids Online Safety Act. "We can't be imposing such a big burden on parents to be doing it all on theirselves," Ly said. "I think you also have to keep in mind that parents often didn't grow up with social media, so they don't understand what it's like to be addicted to social media or really understand how they work."
While many still remain skeptical about the metaverse, big tech firms and even one big bank are ready to expand their virtual worlds. Facebook parent company has pivoted so hard it will now call its employees 'Metamates,' and even JPMorgan Chase has created its own digital lounge on one virtual platform. While the sector remains young, there seems to be significant investment opportunity, especially with companies like Nvidia. Adam Johnson, a portfolio strategist at Adviser Investments, joins Closing Bell to discuss which companies could win in this space, consumer appetite, and more.
