By: Senior staff writer – Easton Ellsworth

From TechFlash comes this interesting piece on Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his mysterious new company.

It’s called bgC3 LLC, which I have no idea how to pronounce. The “bg” stands for Bill Gates; the meaning of C3 is anybody’s guess. (Maybe “company 3?” He started Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.)

Shortly after quitting his day job at Microsoft a few months ago, Gates filed paperwork to get bgC3 off the ground. According to public records, it’s a “think tank.” Oooooh.

Gates has set aside posh office space for the new business in Kirkand, WA, near Microsoft headquarters.

Insiders have denied rumors that Gates is working on a new for-profit company. Instead, they say he’s trying to set up an entity that will help him coordinate his professional and philanthropic ventures.

I found a few interesting links to share with TechStartups readers regarding bgC3 LLC:

CNET has a good summary of this news about Bill Gates and a healthy thread growing in the comments.

Ditto CrunchGear.

Gizmodo loves the logo.

No one seems to have the real skinny on bgC3 just yet. But you can bet an announcement from Gates is forthcoming, especially now that the rumor mill is churning at full speed.