OpenAI CEO Sam Altman poses during the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit, at the Grand Palais, in Paris, on February 11, 2025. JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been making headlines in recent weeks due to his ongoing feud with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
One of the people at the forefront of the AI revolution, Altman has always been an intriguing figure in the world of business and technology.
Here are six facts you probably didn’t know about the OpenAI CEO.
1. He Was Only 19 Years Old When He Co-Founded His First Company
Altman co-founded a company called Loopt even before he hit 20 years of age. Loopt is known as one of the first smartphone apps to utilize GPS in mobile phones.
2. He’s a Pilot
Aside from all his business ventures, Altman enjoys flying. In fact, he got his pilot’s license two years before he co-founded Loopt. Yes, he was only 17.
3. He Loves Cars, Too
Aside from flying, the OpenAI CEO also has a love for cars. Not only does he fly planes, he’s also into car racing. He drives a McLaren supercar worth $20 million.
4. He Was Once Reddit’s CEO
Believe it or not, Altman’s impressive resume includes holding the CEO position over at Reddit. Believe it or not, as well, he was only CEO for eight days.
5. He Came Out in High School
Altman is openly gay and married Oliver Mulherin, an engineer, in January 2024. The 39-year-old CEO came out in high school.
6. He Can Fast for 15 Hours in a Day
Altman has always been an advocate of healthy living, having been a vegetarian his entire life. In fact, he’s the type to fast for 15 hours a day without a problem. He also avoids food that are spicy and full of sugar.
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