Early Life and Education
Samuel Harris Altman was born on April 22, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois. He spent his formative years in St. Louis, Missouri, where he developed an early fascination with computers and technology. At the age of eight, he received his first computer, an Apple Macintosh, which sparked his interest in coding and hardware. Altman attended John Burroughs School before enrolling at Stanford University to study computer science. However, he dropped out after two years to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
Rise to Success
Altman's entrepreneurial journey began with Loopt, a location-sharing mobile app, which he founded in 2005. He then joined Y Combinator in 2011 and became its president in 2014, where he played a crucial role in mentoring and accelerating numerous startups. His leadership at Y Combinator solidified his reputation in the tech industry. In 2019, Altman transitioned to his current role as CEO of OpenAI, where he has overseen the development of groundbreaking AI technologies like ChatGPT.
Key Business Strategies
Altman's strategic moves include a focus on AI safety and benefiting humanity. He has fostered significant partnerships, including a major investment from Microsoft, and spearheaded innovative funding rounds. In October 2025, OpenAI conducted a $6.6 billion share sale that valued the company at $500 billion. He also emphasizes the importance of open collaboration and responsible AI development. His business decisions have been pivotal in driving OpenAI's growth and impact.
Philanthropy
Altman and his husband, Oliver Mulherin, have pledged to donate most of their wealth to philanthropic causes through the Giving Pledge. Their philanthropic efforts focus on supporting technology that enhances human abundance and well-being.
