In the tech industry, compensation often becomes a hot topic, and OpenAI's latest financial disclosure has once again drawn attention. The compensation details of this prominent artificial intelligence company reveal an unusual pay strategy behind the tech giant.
Sam Altman's salary continues to reflect his consistently low-key style. In 2023, the CEO of OpenAI received only $76,001, a slight increase from $73,546 in 2022. Notably, despite his net worth exceeding $2 billion, Altman insists on receiving only the "minimum salary to purchase health insurance."
More details about executive compensation emerged from OpenAI's nonprofit tax filings. Co-founder and former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever was the highest-paid, earning $322,201 in 2023. In contrast, Emmett Shear, who served as interim CEO during Altman's brief dismissal, earned only $3,720, which averages about $338.18 per day.
This financial report covers an exceptionally unusual year for OpenAI. From the global AI boom sparked by ChatGPT to the dramatic events of Altman's dismissal and swift return, the company has experienced unprecedented turmoil.
The financial documents also revealed that OpenAI received $5 million in public donations in 2023, ending the year with a net asset exceeding $21 million. In comparison to the $6.6 billion the company raised in October, this figure seems insignificant.
Beyond its core business, OpenAI is also expanding its philanthropic investment scope. The company has provided funding for ethics and journalism at New York University and has funded research on AI economic opportunities through Operation Hope in Atlanta. Additionally, it has supported several U.S. universities, including Harvard, the University of Washington, and the University of Michigan, to explore democratic processes for rule-making in AI systems.
An OpenAI spokesperson stated that these initiatives align with the company's charter, aiming to collaborate with global research and policy institutions to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
This financial report not only showcases OpenAI's unique compensation culture but also reflects the increasing emphasis on social responsibility and ethical governance among tech companies as they pursue technological innovation.
