Sam Altman's Hidden Stake in OpenAI: A Closer Look
Sam Altman's past investment in OpenAI through Sequoia revealed. Explore the implications for the AI giant's future.
Matilda
Sam Altman's Hidden Stake in OpenAI: A Closer Look
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has often publicly stated that he holds no equity in the company. However, recent revelations have shed light on a more complex relationship between Altman and the AI powerhouse. A Past Investment Through Sequoia In a recent interview with Bari Weiss, Altman disclosed that he once held a small stake in OpenAI through a Sequoia fund. This investment, although minor, raises questions about the nature of Altman's involvement in the company and his potential financial interests. While Altman's investment through Y Combinator was previously known, the Sequoia connection was not. OpenAI's official website acknowledges Altman's indirect investment through YC but maintains that it's a negligible stake and his only interest in the company. The Timing of Sequoia's Investment Sequoia's initial investment in OpenAI occurred in 2021, two years after Altman assumed the role of CEO. At the time, OpenAI was valued at approximately $14 billion, a figure tha…