Sam Altman

Sam Altman, is an American entrepreneur, investor, and programmer widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the tech industry. Known for his leadership as the CEO of OpenAI, Altman has been at the forefront of advancing artificial intelligence and fostering innovation in technology. Prior to OpenAI, he served as the president of Y Combinator, helping shape the success of numerous startups. Renowned for his vision and forward-thinking approach, Altman continues to inspire the tech community with his dedication to ethical AI development and groundbreaking technological solutions.

Sam Altman’s early life in St. Louis, Missouri, and his passion for technology laid the foundation for his impact on the tech industry.

• Born Samuel H. Altman on April 22, 1985, in St. Louis, Missouri.
• Grew up with an early fascination for computers, learning to program at the age of 8 and developing a deep interest in software and technology.
• Attended John Burroughs School, a private school in St. Louis, where his aptitude for science and innovation became apparent.
• Studied computer science at Stanford University but dropped out to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, focusing on his passion for creating transformative technology.
• Co-founded Loopt, a location-based social networking app, in 2005, which was later acquired by Green Dot Corporation, marking the beginning of his career in Silicon Valley.
• Joined Y Combinator in 2011 as a part-time partner and became its president in 2014, playing a pivotal role in supporting startups like Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe.
• Became CEO of OpenAI in 2019, leading efforts to develop safe and beneficial artificial intelligence while addressing its ethical implications.

Sam Altman’s family and personal relationships have been key influences in shaping his journey and values.

• Is the eldest of four siblings in a Jewish family. His mother is a dermatologist, and his father was a real estate broker.
• Altman has been openly gay since coming out at 17 while in high school, where he advocated for LGBTQ+ representation by supporting National Coming Out Day.
• He dated Loopt co-founder Nick Sivo for nine years before they parted ways in 2012 after Loopt’s acquisition.
• In January 2024, Altman married engineer Oliver Mulherin at their estate in Hawaii. The couple resides in San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood and often retreats to Napa, California, on weekends.