# OpenAI employees and shareholders are questioning whether some strategic decisions overlap with Altman’s financial interests.

*genai · news · 2026-04-17 · Times of India*

## Key points

- Sam Altman pushed for OpenAI to back startups where he holds significant personal stakes, including Helion and Stoke Space.
- OpenAI employees feared discussing Altman's Helion ties internally due to potential legal consequences.
- OpenAI declined to invest in Helion but agreed to purchase large-scale energy from the company, potentially benefiting Altman.
- OpenAI board had to enhance conflict-of-interest practices after Altman's lack of candor led to his brief 2023 firing.
- Some shareholders have discussed replacing Altman with Bret Taylor as OpenAI nears a potential $850 billion IPO.

**Companies:** OpenAI, Microsoft, Helion, Stoke Space
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/some-openai-employees-and-shareholders-are-not-happy-with-ceo-sam-altman-and-it-is-due-to-his-/articleshow/130336267.cms)

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