Sam Altman
- Net worth $3 billion
- Birthday April 22, 1985
- Status Married
- Country United States
- Source(-s) of wealth Entrepreneur, Investor, Venture Capitalist
How much is Sam Altman Worth? Sam Altman Net Worth in 2026
Sam Altman’s net worth is estimated at $3.3 billion as of October 2026. Sam Altman is the chief executive of OpenAI and a technology investor whose career includes leading Y Combinator. His estimated wealth rests on stakes across a large venture portfolio rather than OpenAI equity.
| Net worth | $3.3 billion (October 2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Estimated annual income | Mostly gains on private company stakes; OpenAI equity is reportedly not counted |
| Born | April 22, 1985, Chicago, Illinois (age 41) |
| Country | United States |
| Occupations | Entrepreneur, investor, OpenAI CEO |
| Known for | Chief executive of OpenAI and former president of Y Combinator |
How much is Sam Altman worth in 2026?
Sam Altman’s net worth is estimated at $3.3 billion in October 2026. Altman’s net worth is based on his venture investments, including Stripe, Reddit and Helion, and on holdings built over many years. Estimates differ widely, with one near $5 billion, because the fortune sits in private company stakes. OpenAI equity is reportedly not part of the total. This figure is an approximation.
Sam Altman in 2026: what they’ve been up to
- Ongoing: He serves as chief executive of OpenAI, a role he has held since 2019.
- Ongoing: He is chairman of fusion energy company Helion Energy and has backed longevity company Retro Biosciences.
- April 2025: He stepped down as chairman of Oklo, which listed publicly after a 2024 merger with AltC Acquisition Corp, the SPAC he co-founded.
- Ongoing: Tools For Humanity, the company behind Worldcoin, which he co-founded, continues to operate.
How Sam Altman makes money
- Venture portfolio: Stakes in more than 400 companies, including Stripe, Reddit, Helion and others.
- Hydrazine Capital: The venture fund he started in 2012 put most of its first $21 million fund into Y Combinator companies.
- Reddit: Before its 2024 public offering he was reportedly its third largest shareholder with roughly 9 percent.
- Oklo: Public company stake following the AltC merger. The size is not confirmed.
Career timeline
- 2005: Co-founds Loopt at age 19, later sold to Green Dot in 2012 for $43.4 million.
- 2011: Joins Y Combinator as a partner.
- 2012: Starts Hydrazine Capital.
- 2014: Becomes president of Y Combinator and briefly serves as Reddit CEO.
- 2015: Co-founds OpenAI as a nonprofit.
- 2019: Leaves Y Combinator in March to focus on OpenAI as CEO and co-founds Tools For Humanity.
- 2021: Co-founds AltC Acquisition Corp with Michael Klein.
- 2024: Oklo completes its merger with AltC.
- 2025: Steps down as Oklo chairman in April.
Early life and background
Sam Altman was born on April 22, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois. He co-founded the location app Loopt at 19, and joined Y Combinator as a partner in 2011 before becoming its president in 2014.
Sam Altman net worth FAQ
What is Sam Altman’s net worth?
Sam Altman’s net worth is estimated at $3.3 billion as of October 2026. This is an approximation and estimates vary.
How does Sam Altman make money?
He earns money from stakes in private companies such as Stripe, Reddit and Helion, along with other venture investments. OpenAI equity is reportedly not counted in the estimate.
How old is Sam Altman?
Sam Altman was born on April 22, and is 41 years old as of October 2026.
Where is Sam Altman from?
Sam Altman was born in Chicago, Illinois and is based in the United States.
What is Sam Altman doing now?
He is the chief executive of OpenAI and chairs Helion Energy, while continuing to invest in technology and longevity companies.
How is Sam Altman’s net worth estimated?
The figure is based on public reporting, company valuations, and deal and earnings figures. It is approximate and changes as new information emerges.
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How we estimate net worth
Our estimates are based on public reporting, company valuations, and deal and earnings figures all compiled in an internal valuation model. They are approximate, and figures change over time as new information emerges.
Last updated: October 2026.