Sam Altman

Co-founder & CEO of OpenAI, YC President & AI Visionary Reshaping Technology’s Future

  • Invested in energy, biotech & clean tech
  • Launched ChatGPT & expanded AI infrastructure
  • Mentor, strategist & futurist in tech

Sam Altman is a pioneering entrepreneur, investor and thought leader shaping the modern age of artificial intelligence. As Co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, he stands at the forefront of technological innovation, steering the development of transformative tools like ChatGPT and DALL·E that have redefined how the world interacts with AI. Known for his forward-thinking approach and commitment to ensuring artificial intelligence benefits humanity, Sam’s work bridges science, ethics and business strategy. When he speaks, he combines real-world experience with visionary insight, engaging virtual audiences with clarity, warmth and conviction.

After studying Computer Science at Stanford University, Sam left to pursue his first startup, Loopt, a location-sharing app that gained attention in Silicon Valley and was eventually sold for $43 million. His success as a young founder caught the eye of investors and industry leaders, leading him to become President of Y Combinator in 2014. Under his leadership, the accelerator supported global successes such as Airbnb, Stripe, and Dropbox, cementing its reputation as the launchpad for some of the world’s most valuable companies. This period refined Sam’s understanding of entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation – lessons that continue to underpin his vision for building responsible AI.

In 2015, Sam co-founded OpenAI alongside Elon Musk and Greg Brockman with the mission to develop artificial general intelligence that serves the collective good. As CEO since 2019, he has guided the company through rapid global expansion, launching ChatGPT, one of the fastest-growing technologies in history. His leadership helped OpenAI secure significant partnerships with Microsoft and major institutions worldwide, while fostering public debate on AI ethics, safety and regulation. Sam has also invested in emerging industries including nuclear fusion through Helion Energy and sustainable technology ventures such as Oklo, underscoring his belief in innovation that fuels long-term human progress.

A highly sought-after virtual keynote speaker, Sam delivers powerful talks on the evolution of AI, the future of human-machine collaboration, and how businesses can adapt to exponential change. His sessions explore the intersection of technology and humanity, encouraging audiences to think differently about what’s next. Whether discussing leadership, innovation or global transformation, Sam draws from a career defined by bold decisions and boundary-pushing ideas. Inspiring, analytical and deeply human in his delivery, he continues to influence how organisations across the world think about technology, responsibility and the future.

To enquire about Sam Altman for your next virtual event or webinar, simply contact The Online Speakers Agency via agent@virtualonlinespeakersagency.com or call a booking agent on 0203 9317 391.