Bill Gates warns of smallpox terror attacks as he seeks research funds Bill Gates warned that bioterrorism could be a bigger threat than naturally occurring epidemics Microsoft founder Bill Gates warns of bioterrorist attacks and urges world leaders to use 'germ games' to prepare in interview with Jeremy HuntBill Gates, who is the fourth richest man in the world, said "tens of billions" will need to be spent in research and development to prepare for the next pandemic.