(Image source from: CNBC.com)

Microsoft Corporation co-founder Paul Allen, who had been suffering from a form of cancer called non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, passed away at the age of 65 on Monday, his family said.

Allen, earlier this month, had said that he had begun treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, an alike sort of cancer he overcame nine years ago.

Born in Seattle, Allen attended Washington State University for two years before dropping out to co-found Microsoft in 1975 with a friend of his from high school. Bill Gates. Allen, who left Microsoft in 1983, established investment firm Vulcan Inc. in 1986 to manage his multibillion-dollar portfolio.

"Paul Allen's contributions to our company, our industry and to our community are indispensable," Microsoft Chief Executive Officer 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."

Allen, who ranked 44th on Forbes magazine's 2018 list of billionaires with a $20.5 billion fortune, was a major benefactor in Seattle, funding everything from libraries and universities to brain research.

His investments comprise ownership stakes in several professional sports teams, including the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers, NFL's Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer.

By Sowmya Sangam