Sam Altman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Sam Altman.

Sam Altman is an American entrepreneur, investor, and the CEO of OpenAI since 2019. He is recognized as a prominent figure in the rise of artificial intelligence. Altman's leadership at OpenAI has placed him at the forefront of AI development and its implications, influencing the direction and pace of innovation in the field.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

February 2014: President of Y Combinator

In February 2014, Altman became president of Y Combinator, aiming to expand its funding and broaden the types of companies funded, particularly focusing on "hard technology" startups.

2014: President of Y Combinator

In 2014, Altman became the president of Y Combinator, solidifying his position in the startup world.

October 2015: Expanded Y Combinator's Scope

In October 2015, Altman contributed $10 million to the initial fund of Y Combinator Research and announced YC Continuity, a fund to invest in maturing YC companies, expanding YC's scope.

September 2016: President of YC Group

In September 2016, Altman's role at YC expanded to president of YC Group, which included Y Combinator and other units.

2019: Raised Funds for OpenAI

In 2019, OpenAI stated that $130 million of the pledged funds had been collected.

2019: Appointment as CEO of OpenAI

In 2019, Sam Altman became the CEO of OpenAI, marking a significant career milestone. Since then, he is considered one of the leading figures of the AI boom.

December 2022: Launch of ChatGPT

In December 2022, OpenAI received widespread media coverage after launching a free preview of ChatGPT, a new AI chatbot based on GPT-3.5, receiving over a million signups within the first five days.

2022: Successful Launch of ChatGPT

In 2022, as CEO, Altman oversaw the successful launch of ChatGPT.

May 2023: World Tour

After the success of ChatGPT, Altman made a world tour in May 2023, during which he visited 22 countries and met multiple leaders and diplomats, being named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.

November 21, 2023: Return to OpenAI

On November 21, 2023, Altman and Brockman returned to OpenAI in their prior roles along with a reconstructed board made up of new members Bret Taylor and Lawrence Summers, with D'Angelo remaining.

2023: Projected Revenue for OpenAI

According to Reuters in December 2022, OpenAI Global, LLC was projecting $200 million of revenue in 2023.

2023: Tools For Humanity's Progress

By 2023, Tools For Humanity had scanned two million people's eyes and raised $250 million from investors.

2023: Ousted and Reinstated as CEO of OpenAI

In 2023, Altman was ousted from his role as CEO of OpenAI by the company's board due to a lack of confidence in his leadership. However, he was reinstated five days later following significant backlash from employees and investors, after which a new board was formed.

March 2024: Bloomberg Billionaires Index Debut

In March 2024, Altman debuted on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index with an estimated net worth of $2 billion, primarily from his venture capital funds related to Hydrazine Capital.