Sam Altman Conflict-of-Interest Storm: Helion, Stoke Space, and IPO Leadership Questions

BusinessToday·high signal

As OpenAI approaches an ~$850B IPO, a Wall Street Journal investigation reveals Altman proposed OpenAI invest $500M in Helion Energy (where he holds a major personal stake) at a 6x valuation bump to ~$35B, and also pushed OpenAI to acquire rocket-maker Stoke Space — invested in by his husband's family office Hydrazine, a connection not previously reported. Altman told the Big Technology podcast he is 'zero percent' excited to lead a public company; WSJ reports current board chair Bret Taylor is the favorite to take over as CEO.