ChatGPT maker OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, his husband Mulherin to donate most of their wealth

Sam Altman, who is known for founding ChatGPT maker OpenAI, and his partner Oliver Mulherin have committed to donating most of their wealth.

Altman, who recently achieved billionaire status, has signed the Giving Pledge with his partner, Oliver Mulherin. The Giving Pledge was established in 2010 by Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett.

What is The Giving Pledge?

The Giving Pledge is a commitment by some of the world's wealthiest individuals and families to give away the majority of their wealth to address society's most pressing problems. It was launched in 2010 by Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Melinda French Gates.

The Pledge encourages billionaires to publicly commit at least half of their wealth to philanthropy either during their lifetimes or in their wills.

Signing the Giving Pledge is not a legally binding contract but rather a moral commitment. Participants also meet annually to discuss challenges, successes, and strategies in philanthropy.

Other high-profile Giving Pledge signatories include MacKenzie Scott, Reid Hoffman, Marc Benioff, Elon Musk, Larry Ellison, Mark Zuckerberg, and Priscilla Chan.

Altman expresses deep gratitude for the societal structures

In their pledge letter, Altman and Mulherin expressed deep gratitude for the societal structures that enabled their success, stating, "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. 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."

Both Altman and Mulherin plan to focus their giving on supporting technological advancements that promote widespread abundance.

It is worth noting that Altman does not hold equity in OpenAI. His wealth comes from his diverse investment portfolio, including stakes in Reddit and Stripe. 

Who is Oliver Mulherin?

Mulherin is an Australian software engineer who, with Altman, splits his time between San Francisco and a ranch in Napa, California, according to The New York Times.

In January this year, Sam Altman married his longtime partner, Oliver Mulherin, at a seaside ceremony. Altman confirmed the news after wedding photos began circulating on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

While sharing photos on his private Instagram account, Altman wrote, "My best friend and love of my life."