‍When OpenAI’s board removed Sam Altman as CEO in November 2023, the company’s future was suddenly uncertain. Vinod worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support Sam’s return. He also made his position public almost immediately.

"To be clear, Khosla Ventures wants Sam back at OpenAI but will back him in whatever he does next."

‍

‍The message left little room for interpretation. Vinod believed Sam should return as CEO. But if that did not happen, KV would still stand behind him. It reflected a view Vinod has held throughout his career: startup CEOs deserve investors who back them when things get difficult, and companies are generally best led by their founders.

‍

Sam returned to OpenAI as CEO later that month. Vinod’s support was only one part of a much larger and more complicated story. But that is exactly the point. Supporting a founder is not about taking credit for what happens next. It is about making your position clear when the outcome is still uncertain and standing behind the person you chose to back.