Susan and Michael Dell: how a blind date led to nearly four decades of marriage
Susan and Michael Dell met on a blind date in 1988 after she moved to Austin for real estate work, and they married in 1989. The couple raised four children, and Susan previously worked in fashion design before focusing on philanthropy. She recently drew attention after pledging $6.25 billion at the White House to support children's investment savings accounts.
Susan Dell relocated to Austin, Texas, for a real estate role before a client arranged a lunch that became her blind date with Michael Dell in 1988. At the time, Michael had launched PC’s Limited four years earlier while studying, and the venture became Dell Computer Corporation in 1987.
They wed in 1989 with a ceremony reflecting Jewish traditions. The couple later had four children—Alexa, Kira, Juliette and Zachary—and raised them in Austin at a large estate known as “The Castle,” which included eight bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, multiple pools and a tennis court. Susan had worked in fashion design before turning to philanthropy.
Susan Dell’s $6.25 billion pledge may draw more attention to children’s investment savings accounts, potentially shaping conversations among families, nonprofits, and educators about early financial literacy. It could also increase scrutiny of celebrity philanthropy and of business figures’ involvement in policy-adjacent efforts. Children and families with fewer financial resources may be most affected if such accounts become more widely available, though impact would depend on program design and access.