Melbourne-born software engineer Oliver Mulherin has largely lived outside the public eye until his recent marriage to Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI. Altman, a pivotal figure in global technology, is best known for his leadership of the company behind ChatGPT. Together, Mulherin, 32, and Altman, 40, have pledged to donate more than half of their estimated $3 billion fortune to causes aimed at fostering technological innovation and abundance.
The couple’s philanthropic commitment was articulated in their Giving Pledge letter, where they expressed gratitude for the societal structures that enabled their success.
“We would not be making this pledge if it weren’t for the hard work, brilliance, generosity, and dedication to improving the world of many people that built the scaffolding of society that let us get here,” they wrote. “There is nothing we can do except feel immense gratitude and commit to pay it forward and do what we can to build the scaffolding up a little higher.”
The Journey to Prominence
Oliver Mulherin first entered the public spotlight in 2023 when he and Altman attended a White House state dinner hosted by President Joe Biden in honor of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The couple married in a private ceremony in Hawaii in early 2024 and welcomed their first child via surrogacy in February 2025. Altman shared the joyous news on social media, posting a heartfelt message alongside a photo of their newborn’s hand.
Mulherin’s journey from Melbourne to Silicon Valley is marked by significant achievements. After graduating from the University of Melbourne with a degree in computer science, he worked with tech giants like Meta and SPARK Neuro, focusing on AI-powered language tools and video games. The exact circumstances of his meeting with Altman remain unclear, but both were active in the Silicon Valley tech scene, specializing in artificial intelligence.
Altman’s Rise and Challenges
Sam Altman’s entrepreneurial journey began with the sale of his social-mapping company, Loopt, for $42 million in 2012. He used the proceeds to start a venture capital fund and later became the CEO of Y Combinator. In 2019, Altman took the helm at OpenAI, which has seen its valuation soar from $123.8 billion to an estimated $464 billion under his leadership.
Altman’s personal life has not been without challenges. In November 2023, he faced a dramatic ousting from OpenAI, only to be reappointed as CEO less than a week later following internal upheaval. His marriage to Mulherin coincides with these professional ups and downs, as well as a series of legal battles.
Legal Battles and Family Strife
The couple’s life in San Francisco is marked by luxury and controversy. They split their time between the city and their Napa Valley estate, purchased for $24.5 million in 2020. Altman has also acquired multiple properties in San Francisco, including a historic mansion embroiled in a legal dispute over alleged construction defects.
More troubling are the allegations from Altman’s sister, Ann Altman, who filed a lawsuit in January 2025 accusing him of sexual abuse during their childhood. Ann’s claims have been publicly denied by Altman and his family, who attribute her allegations to mental health challenges.
“Annie has made deeply hurtful and entirely untrue claims about our family, and especially Sam,” the family stated. “We love Annie and will continue our best efforts to support and protect her, as any family would.”
Ann Altman’s allegations have added a complex layer to the family’s dynamic, as documented in a 2023 New York Magazine profile. The article highlighted her estrangement from the family and her struggles with mental health, painting a picture of a deeply divided family.
Looking Ahead
As Oliver Mulherin and Sam Altman navigate their personal and professional lives, their story reflects the intersection of immense wealth, philanthropy, and personal challenges. Their commitment to using their fortune for societal good stands in contrast to the legal and familial disputes that cloud their public image.
The couple’s future endeavors, particularly their philanthropic initiatives, will be closely watched as they continue to influence the tech world and beyond. Meanwhile, the legal battles and family dynamics will likely remain a point of public interest, shaping the narrative of one of Silicon Valley’s most talked-about couples.
