OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and husband pledge to donate over half of their wealth

Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO and partner, Oliver Mulherin, have devoted themselves to donating the majority of their wealth by joining the Giving Pledge. This pledge initiative, started in 2010 by Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett, encourages the world’s richest individuals to donate most of their wealth to charitable causes, either during their lifetimes or through their wills.

In a letter dated May 18, Altman and Mulherin expressed their appreciation for the contribution and support they have received throughout their journey. They stated, “We would not be making this pledge if it weren’t for the hard work, brilliance, generosity, and dedication to improve the world of many people that built the scaffolding of society that let us get here.” They highlighted their commitment to giving back and contributing to societal improvement. “There is nothing we can do except feel immense gratitude and commit to pay it forward, and do what we can to build the scaffolding up a little higher.”

Altman and Mulherin intend to direct their charitable efforts toward supporting technology that creates abundance for people, allowing society to advance further. This aligns with their belief in using technology to enhance lives and promote progress.

The Giving Pledge has drawn numerous high-profile signatories, including MacKenzie Scott, Reid Hoffman, Marc Benioff, Elon Musk, Larry Ellison, and Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan. These individuals have committed substantial portions of their wealth to philanthropy, addressing various global challenges.

Although Altman does not hold equity in OpenAI, he has made appearances on the billionaire lists of Forbes and Bloomberg earlier this year due to his diverse investments. Investements include stakes in companies like Reddit and Stripe, as well as interests in nuclear energy startup Helion and longevity biotech startup Retro Biosciences. Additionally, Altman has investments in YC funds and has been expanding his real estate holdings.

Altman’s decision to sign the Giving Pledge highlights his dedication to using his wealth and influence for positive change. By focusing on technological advancements that benefit society, he wants to contribute to a future where resources are plentiful, and opportunities are accessible to all.

The Giving Pledge is a significant move in philanthropy, bringing together some of the richest individuals in the world to address global issues. This pledge asks billionaires to commit to giving away the majority of their wealth to charitable causes. The goal is to make a substantial impact on various social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Since its start, the Giving Pledge has gathered the support of many prominent figures in the business and technology sectors. These individuals have pledged to donate large portions of their wealth to initiatives that promote education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and technological advancement, among other causes

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