OpenAI CEO Proposes Donating 5% of Equity to U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reportedly proposed donating 5% of the company's equity to a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, according to a TechCrunch report, reigniting debate over how the enormous wealth generated by the AI industry should benefit the public.

The proposal, if realized, would channel a significant portion of one of the world's most valuable private AI companies into a national public fund. OpenAI's latest valuation has surpassed $300 billion, several times its 2023 valuation.

Sources familiar with the matter told TechCrunch that Altman's proposal is not a formal board motion but rather a preliminary idea aimed at exploring mechanisms for the public to benefit from AI-driven economic growth. The equity donation discussion is intertwined with OpenAI's ongoing transition from a non-profit structure to a for-profit enterprise.

Sovereign wealth funds are typically established by governments to manage national reserves and invest in diversified assets. If the U.S. were to establish such a fund and accept an OpenAI equity donation, it would mark a new model of relationship between the technology industry and public finance.

The news arrives as OpenAI faces increasing regulatory scrutiny. Governments worldwide are growing more concerned about the economic impact of AI technology, particularly the monopolistic growth and massive funding rounds of large AI companies, raising public questions about wealth distribution fairness.

OpenAI's unique corporate structure — a capped-profit entity controlled by a non-profit board — has long been controversial. Critics argue that even with profit caps, the company's enormous valuation still means disproportionate returns for early investors and employees. The equity donation proposal could be seen as a response to this criticism.

It remains unclear whether the proposal will advance formally through OpenAI's board or gain traction with the U.S. government. Altman has previously spoken about public investment in AI infrastructure, suggesting that the economic benefits of AI should be widely shared.