Altman's past controversies, including being asked to leave startup incubator Y Combinator in 2019 for alleged self-enrichment, have also raised concerns. Despite these issues, Altman has managed to maintain control and influence over OpenAI, rejoining its board after a brief departure. However, some investors are wary of the hype surrounding the CEO, with one startup founder stating there are "holes a mile deep" in Altman's resume.
Key takeaways:
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is looking to raise up to $7 trillion for an AI hardware venture, a figure that has left even venture capitalists in disbelief.
- The company is also looking to raise funds at a valuation of over $100 billion, which would make it one of the world's most valuable startups.
- Altman's ambitions and fundraising efforts have been criticized by some, with one unnamed venture capital partner calling him a "megalomaniac".
- Despite his success, there are concerns about Altman's track record, including his departure from startup incubator Y Combinator and a brief period where he was let go by OpenAI.