Sam Altman: OpenAI to Prioritize Mission Over Share Price
Sam Altman on OpenAI's Public Listing and Mission
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has stated that the company will put its mission ahead of share price even after going public, acknowledging potential stock volatility. In an interview with Vanity Fair, published on October 5th, Altman emphasized OpenAI's commitment to non-profit governance and prioritizing its goals over investor expectations.
“Even when we go public, which we are not in a rush to do, we will still have a nonprofit that governs us, and we will remind investors... that we are going to put the mission first.” - Sam Altman
Executive Changes and Growth
Altman discussed the recent executive departures at OpenAI, attributing them to the company's rapid growth. He noted that the AI industry is experiencing unprecedented expansion, with years of progress condensed into just one. While acknowledging the natural turnover in talent, he expressed surprise at the pace of change.
OpenAI Foundation and Its Impact
The conversation delved into the OpenAI Foundation, which Altman described as the largest foundation in the world by assets, surpassing the Gates Foundation. The foundation recently committed $100 million to Alzheimer's research and plans to spend at least $1 billion this year across various initiatives.
Personal Motivations
When Vanity Fair asked about his motivations, Altman revealed he holds minimal direct equity in OpenAI, considering it a mistake. He attributed his drive not to wealth but to the desire for an impactful role and to leave a lasting legacy.