Paul Brainerd, an American businessman, computer programmer and philanthropist who co-founded the Aldus Corporation, died on February 15, 2026, at age 78.
In 1984, he helped establish Aldus, which released PageMaker, the first consumer-use desktop publishing software. Brainerd coined the term “desktop publishing”.
From 1995 on, he was involved in philanthropic efforts, including the founding of Social Ventures Partners in 1997, a global organization that connects local investors with non-profit community organizations.
Paul Steven Brainerd (November 17, 1947 – February 15, 2026) was an American businessman, computer programmer and philanthropist. In 1984, he co-founded the Aldus Corporation, which released PageMaker, the first consumer-use desktop publishing software. Brainerd coined the term “desktop publishing”. From 1995 on, he was involved in philanthropic efforts, including the founding of Social Ventures Partners in 1997, a global organization that connects local investors with non-profit community organizations.