Bill Gates stated that the is the future and that it is better than currency. Would you assume that his statement (as one of the many reasons) added value on which made it stronger and more stable in the system? 
Obviously it adds value. There is no doubt about that. He is the richest man in the world and lots of people follow his financial advice.
YES! his statement added value to bitcoin to become stronger but for me he is not the richest man in the world, maybe if were talking popular people he is, but i think the richest man in the world is the ROTHSCHILD FAMILY, according in my research even if you combined the top 8 individual billionaires it will not reach the amount of the ROTHSCHILD, if all top 8 has Billions i think ROTHSCHILD in has TRILLIONS!!.