OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stands to net millions as Reddit goes public

Technology
Friday, February 23rd, 2024 4:52 pm EDT

Key Points

  • Sam Altman stands to profit significantly from Reddit’s IPO, holding 9.2% of voting power and making strategic investments in the company since 2014.
  • Altman’s diverse investment portfolio includes successful startups like Asana and Instacart, reflecting his track record in the tech industry before leading OpenAI.
  • Altman’s involvement in Reddit extends beyond financial support; he served on the board and advocated for community ownership, aligning with his vision of empowering platform users and increasing adoption of OpenAI’s services.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stands to gain millions following Reddit’s anticipated IPO, holding 9.2% of voting power according to the company’s prospectus. Altman’s investments date back to 2014 when he led Reddit’s $50 million Series B funding round, reflecting his longstanding affinity for the platform where he had been an active user for nine years prior. His investments in Reddit continued, with $50 million injected into the company’s Series E round in the first half of 2021, followed by an additional $10 million in the latter half of the year. Altman’s involvement extended beyond financial support; he served on Reddit’s board until 2021, earning praise from CEO Steve Huffman for his invaluable contributions. Altman’s investment strategy isn’t limited to Reddit; he has a track record of backing successful startups like Asana and Instacart. As Altman aims to raise funds for chip development to meet OpenAI’s growing AI computing demands, his Reddit investments serve as a lucrative asset amid the company’s IPO plans. Reddit’s decision to offer shares to users and moderators aligns with Altman’s vision of increasing community ownership, reflecting his belief in empowering platform users who contribute significantly to its value. Altman’s multifaceted investment portfolio and strategic vision position him to capitalize on Reddit’s public debut while advancing OpenAI’s mission in the AI landscape.

For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/22/openai-ceo-sam-altman-stands-to-net-millions-as-reddit-goes-public.html