Sam Altman Biography Samuel Harris Altman, born on April 22, 1985, is an American entrepreneur and investor, best known for serving as the CEO of OpenAI since 2019, with a brief dismissal and reinstatement in November 2023. He also holds the role of chairman at clean energy companies Oklo Inc. and Helion Energy. Regarded as a leading figure in the AI revolution, Altman dropped out of Stanford University after two years to found Loopt, a mobile social networking platform that raised over $30 million in venture capital. In 2011, he joined Y Combinator, a prominent startup accelerator, and served as its president from 2014 to 2019.
Sam Altman Biography
Sam Altman is a prominent American entrepreneur, widely recognized as the CEO of OpenAI. Born on April 22, 1985, in Chicago and raised in St. Louis, Altman developed an early passion for computers and coding. He attended Stanford University to study computer science but dropped out after two years to co-found Loopt, a location-based social networking app, which was later acquired by Green Dot Corporation for $43 million. Altman’s career gained momentum when he joined Y Combinator in 2011. Serving as president from 2014 to 2019, he played a key role in funding and mentoring successful companies such as Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe. During his tenure, he also expanded Y Combinator’s reach through initiatives like the YC Continuity equity fund and YC Research.
Sam Altman Biography Details
Born | Samuel Harris Altman April 22, 1985 (age 39) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Education | Stanford University (dropped out) |
Known for | Loopt, Y Combinator, OpenAI |
Title | CEO of OpenAI Chairman of Oklo Inc. Chairman of Helion Energy |
Spouse | Oliver Mulherin (m. 2024) |
Category | Biography |
About Sam Altman
Samuel Harris Altman is an American entrepreneur and investor best known as the chief executive officer of OpenAI since 2019. He is also the chairman of clean energy companies Oklo Inc. and Helion Energy. Altman is considered to be one of the leading figures of the AI boom.
- Born: 22 April 1985 (age 39 years), Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Net worth: 110 crores USD (2025) Forbes
- Spouse: Oliver Louis Mulherin (m. 2024)
- Education: Stanford University (2005), John Burroughs School
- Parents: Connie Gibstine
- Organizations founded: OpenAI, Loopt
- Siblings: Jack Altman
Early Life and Education
Altman was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 22, 1985, into a Jewish family. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where his mother worked as a dermatologist and his father as a real estate broker. Altman is the eldest of four siblings. He developed an interest in technology at a young age, receiving an Apple Macintosh computer at the age of eight, which sparked his passion for coding and computer hardware. He attended John Burroughs School in Ladue, Missouri, and later enrolled at Stanford University in 2005 to study computer science. After two years, Altman dropped out to pursue his entrepreneurial ventures.
What is Sam Altman’s Net Worth 2025
Sam Altman’s estimated net worth is $1 billion. Altman’s wealth comes from his position as CEO of OpenAI, his investments in numerous startups, and other entrepreneurial pursuits. Additionally, he likely earns income from endorsements, sponsorships, and advisory roles.
What does Sam Altman do for a living?
Sam Altman is a tech entrepreneur and venture investor. Recently, Altman has focused on advancing artificial intelligence at OpenAI. A notable controversy occurred when actress Scarlett Johansson accused him of using an imitation of her voice in a new ChatGPT update. Johansson suggested Altman would make a great Marvel villain in response to the AI-generated voice, prompting him to apologize and pause the update to address her concerns.
How does Sam Altman make money?
Sam Altman’s income comes from several sources:
- CEO of OpenAI: Altman earns a base salary of $65,000 annually in his role as OpenAI’s CEO. Although he does not own equity in the company, his leadership in AI development significantly enhances his reputation in the tech industry. OpenAI’s estimated $29 billion valuation further elevates his influence.
- Venture Investments: Altman has been an active investor since 2009, starting with a $15,000 investment in the payment company Stripe. Over the years, he has invested in successful startups such as Airbnb, Reddit, and DoorDash. His investments have greatly contributed to his wealth, and the total valuation of companies funded by Y Combinator, where he served as president, exceeds $65 billion.
- Early Entrepreneurial Ventures: Altman’s entrepreneurial journey began with Loopt, a location-based social networking app that was sold for $43.4 million in 2012. This sale provided Altman with the initial capital to fuel his further ventures in technology and investments.
- Chairmanship and Advisory Roles: Altman serves as chairman at Oklo Inc. and Helion Energy, both focused on clean energy technologies. These roles provide additional income streams and align with his commitment to advancing sustainable, innovative solutions for global challenges.