Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has publicly explained why he does not hold any equity in OpenAI, a decision that aligns with his commitment to ensuring the organization prioritizes its mission over profit. He has stated that OpenAI's purpose is to build artificial general intelligence (AGI) that benefits humanity as a whole, and having personal financial stakes in such an endeavor could create potential conflicts of interest.
By not holding equity, Altman ensures that his motivations remain focused on the ethical and societal implications of AI development rather than personal financial gain. His decision reinforces OpenAI's principle of operating in a manner that serves the broader interests of humanity. Altman's leadership style reflects a long-term vision of developing AGI responsibly while navigating complex challenges around safety, governance, and equity in AI deployment.