Sam Altman

Co-founder & CEO, OpenAI

Sam Altman is an entrepreneur and investor who co-founded Loopt and led Y Combinator before becoming OpenAI’s CEO.

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At a glance

Sam Altman is an entrepreneur and investor who co-founded Loopt and led Y Combinator before becoming OpenAI’s CEO. His career connects startup building and venture investment with the development and deployment of AI systems, including ChatGPT.

Current role: Co-founder & CEO, OpenAI
Born: 22 April 1985
Education: Stanford University — computer science, attended
Known for: OpenAI; Y Combinator; Loopt
Previously: Y Combinator president, 2014–2019
Coverage: AI research; products; startup investment

Sources checked 16 October 2026. Selected career milestones and biographical references.

Career, in context.

Selected milestones, newest first. Explore earlier career below.

2025
OpenAI updates its structure
OpenAI announces the Foundation and Group PBC structure; its governance overview lists Altman as CEO.
Source: OpenAI
2023
Returns as OpenAI CEO
After the November leadership crisis, OpenAI announces his return alongside a new initial board.
Source: OpenAI
2022
OpenAI introduces ChatGPT
The company releases ChatGPT as a free research preview. This is a company milestone during his leadership.
Source: OpenAI
2019
Leads OpenAI as CEO
The OpenAI LP announcement identifies Altman as CEO as the organisation introduces its capped-profit structure.
Source: OpenAI

Show earlier careerHide earlier career · 4 milestones

More than 10 years ago.

2015
Helps launch OpenAI
OpenAI is publicly introduced as a nonprofit AI research company, with Altman as a co-chair.
Source: OpenAI
2014
Becomes president of Y Combinator
Paul Graham announces Altman as his successor to lead the accelerator.
Source: Y Combinator
2012
Loopt is acquired
Green Dot acquires Loopt, closing the first chapter of Altman’s startup career.
Source: Y Combinator
2005
Co-founds Loopt
The location-based mobile startup joins Y Combinator’s first summer batch.
Source: Y Combinator