1951-

Computer electrical engineer who cocreated VisiCalc, the first electronic spreadsheet. Bricklin began his computer-programming career while still in high school. He received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1973. While studying for his M.B.A. at Harvard University, he came up with the idea for an electronic spreadsheet, which he developed with the help of his friend, programmer Bob Frankston. Together they founded Software Arts, Inc., where Frankston served as chairman from 1979 to 1985. Their VisiCalc program helped fuel the growth of the computer industry. In 1995 Bricklin founded a new company, Trellix Corporation, to develop Internet productivity software.