In a significant announcement today, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and his partner, Oliver Mulherin, have pledged to donate the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes, following in the footsteps of global leaders like Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett.
In their heartfelt pledge letter dated May 18, Altman and Mulherin expressed deep gratitude for the support and opportunities they’ve received throughout their lives. They credited the hard work, brilliance, generosity, and dedication of countless individuals for enabling their success and vowed to pay it forward by supporting initiatives that uplift society.
Central to their philanthropic vision is a focus on leveraging technology to create abundance for people and propel societal advancement. This aligns with Altman’s longstanding belief in the power of technology to improve lives and foster progress.
Altman’s diverse investment portfolio, which includes stakes in companies like Reddit, Stripe, Helion, and Retro Biosciences, has propelled him onto the billionaires’ lists of Forbes and Bloomberg. Despite not holding equity in OpenAI, Altman’s commitment to philanthropy underscores his dedication to using his wealth and influence for the greater good.
The Giving Pledge has attracted a roster of high-profile signatories, including MacKenzie Scott, Reid Hoffman, Marc Benioff, Elon Musk, Larry Ellison, and Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan. Together, these individuals are making significant strides in addressing pressing global challenges through their philanthropic endeavors.
Altman’s decision to join the Giving Pledge reflects a deep-seated commitment to advancing societal well-being and ensuring that technological progress benefits all members of society. As he and Mulherin embark on this philanthropic journey, they aim to contribute to a future where resources are abundant, opportunities are accessible, and progress is inclusive for all.
