### Michael and Susan Dell: A Philanthropic Power Couple
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Michael Dell, the founder of Dell Technologies, and his wife, Susan, have built a life together that blends family, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Married since 1989, the couple has navigated the challenges and successes of life in the public eye while raising four children and focusing on charitable initiatives.
Michael Dell established what would become the multi-billion-pound tech giant, Dell Technologies, in 1984, shortly after which he met Susan in Austin, Texas. Their initial introduction in 1988 came through a mutual acquaintance when Susan moved to the city to work with notable real estate developer Trammell Crow. She shared a memorable first impression of Michael, describing him as “the nicest guy I’d ever met.” This meeting led to a swift romance and their marriage on October 28, 1989. At the time, Michael was 24, and Susan was 25.

Together, the Dells have welcomed four children — daughters Alexa, Kira, and Juliette, along with their son, Zachary. The family raised their children in an estate known affectionately as “the Castle”. Today, the Dells’ offspring have established their own careers across various sectors. Notably, Alexa tied the knot with Frédéric Choquette in March 2025 and welcomed her first daughter the following February, alongside her son Lucien from a previous relationship. Juliette married Chase Chamberlin, the founder of Commonwealth Sports, in March 2024, while Zachary has taken a similar entrepreneurial path to his father by founding a technology company called Based Power. Kira serves as the CEO of Adaptive Water, another Austin-based enterprise.

Susan Dell is not only known as the wife of a billionaire but also as a successful fashion designer and philanthropist. Over the years, she has created three clothing lines, one of which was her namesake label, which unfortunately ceased operations in 2003. In 2001, she created the gowns worn by twins Barbara Bush and Jenna Bush Hager at their father’s inaugural gala. In 2003, she launched the luxury brand Phi, which was closed down in 2009.
The Dells also share a significant commitment to philanthropy. Together, they established the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation in 1999, primarily focused on health and education initiatives. Since its inception, the foundation has contributed an impressive £8.5 billion to various charities worldwide. Their most recent pledge, made in December 2025, involved a staggering £4.9 billion aimed at creating “Trump Accounts”, tax-advantaged investment accounts designed for children under 18 with a social security number. Michael described this initiative as “sort of the direct model philanthropy” during a press event at the White House in October 2026.
Susan’s philanthropic efforts gained formal recognition in January 2019 when she was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame. This honour was bestowed upon her for her significant contributions to community rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Harvey. Their joint philanthropic efforts continued to be acknowledged, as they were awarded the History-Making Texan Award by the Texas State History Museum Foundation in 2025.
The influence of the Dell family extends beyond their business and charitable works, as they are also prominent figures in the social scene. They are regularly spotted at public events, including galas and award ceremonies. Their commitment to philanthropy seems deeply rooted in their experiences and inspirations, as they aim to impact the lives of many positively.
As Michael and Susan Dell approach their fourth decade of marriage, they remain committed to their family and philanthropic pursuits. Their journey illustrates the challenges of balancing high-profile careers with personal and charitable responsibilities, serving as a modern example of a power couple dedicated to making a difference.
