Dell Technologies is one of the world's largest technology companies, providing end-to-end IT solutions across client computing, data center infrastructure, and cloud services. Founded by Michael Dell in Austin, Texas in 1984.
Dell Technologies Inc. is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Round Rock, Texas — part of the Austin metropolitan area. The company provides end-to-end technology solutions spanning client computing, data center infrastructure, cloud services, and cybersecurity to enterprises and consumers worldwide.
Founded by Michael Dell in 1984 with $1,000 in capital, Dell pioneered the direct-to-consumer PC model — building computers to customer order and shipping directly, bypassing retail. This approach allowed Dell to undercut competitors on price while offering greater customization.
Today, Dell Technologies is one of the world's largest privately-controlled public companies — Michael Dell retains significant ownership and serves as both Chairman and CEO. The company generated approximately $88 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2024, spanning its Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG).
Dell's client division covers the full spectrum from consumer to enterprise-grade PCs. Alienware is Dell's premium gaming brand, while Latitude remains the dominant choice for enterprise fleets.
Dell PowerEdge servers are among the most widely deployed server lines globally. ISG also includes Dell EMC storage and converged infrastructure solutions for enterprise data centers.
Dell's as-a-service portfolio lets enterprises consume infrastructure on a consumption or subscription model — bringing cloud economics to on-premises hardware.
Dell's cybersecurity subsidiary (NASDAQ: SCWX) provides cloud-native security operations, threat detection, and managed security services to mid-market and enterprise customers.
Dell's connection to Texas is foundational to the company's identity. Michael Dell launched the business as “PC's Limited” from his University of Texas at Austin dorm room in February 1984 with $1,000 in startup capital.
The company moved to Round Rock, Texas (immediately north of Austin) in 1988 as it scaled operations. Today, Dell's Round Rock campus spans over 1,000 acres and serves as the company's global headquarters for executive leadership, engineering, sales, and manufacturing support.
Dell is consistently one of the largest private employers in Texas, with thousands of full-time employees across Round Rock, Austin, and additional Texas locations. The company's Texas roots are prominent in its corporate identity — Michael Dell has remained in Austin throughout the company's history rather than relocating to Silicon Valley.
Austin origin: The University of Texas at Austin dorm room where Dell was founded is arguably the most historically significant startup origin story in Texas tech history.
Michael Dell founds PC's Limited from his UT Austin dorm room with $1,000 capital. First product: IBM PC-compatible computers assembled to order.
Renamed Dell Computer Corporation. Moved to Round Rock, TX. IPO on NASDAQ, raising $30M. Dell becomes the youngest CEO of a Fortune 500 company.
Entered the Fortune 500 for the first time — the youngest CEO ever to lead a Fortune 500 company at age 27.
Launched dell.com — one of the first major e-commerce operations. Online sales reach $1M/day within the first year.
Dell becomes the world's largest PC manufacturer by revenue, surpassing Compaq.
Michael Dell takes Dell private in a $24.4B leveraged buyout with Silver Lake Partners — the largest technology company buyout in history at the time.
Acquires EMC Corporation for $67B — the largest technology acquisition in history at that point — gaining VMware, RSA Security, and Pivotal.
Re-listed on NYSE as Dell Technologies (DELL) via a complex tracking stock transaction, ending a 5-year period as a private company.
Completes VMware spinoff, distributing $9.3B to shareholders. Dell refocuses on core infrastructure and client computing.
AI server demand surges — Dell PowerEdge servers become a leading platform for enterprise AI training and inference workloads, driving significant revenue growth.
Founder, Chairman & CEO
Michael Dell founded Dell Computer Corporation at age 19 from his University of Texas at Austin dorm room. He pioneered the direct-to-consumer PC model and built Dell into the world's largest PC manufacturer by the early 2000s.
He stepped down as CEO in 2004 (replaced by Kevin Rollins) but returned in 2007 as the company faced competitive challenges. He led the $24.4B leveraged buyout in 2013 to take Dell private, restructure its business around enterprise IT, and execute the transformative $67B EMC acquisition in 2015.
Michael Dell's net worth is approximately $55–60 billion (2024). He remains one of the few original tech founders who has maintained operational leadership of their company for four decades.
Dell Technologies Inc.
Hardware & Cloud Infrastructure
Texas Presence