OpenAI hires three former Patreon executives ahead of DevDay

OpenAI has hired three former Patreon executives as it develops its product strategy for creators, according to The Verge.

Sam Yam, Patreon’s co-founder and former technology chief, announced on X that he is joining OpenAI to lead Creator Product. Yam started the creator-subscription platform 13 years ago. He is also bringing Drew Rowny, Patreon’s former product head, and Shannon Ma, its former engineering head, to the new venture. Both executives stepped down in the past few weeks.

Yam said the team plans to build with creators at OpenAI and provide early access to a new set of tools for creators and their communities. He encouraged people to follow OpenAI DevDay, which is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29. His post also linked to a message from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman teasing another major announcement this week.

The hires suggest that OpenAI may be exploring the creator-monetization business, where Patreon helped establish the creator-subscription model. The Verge also notes that Yam’s departure is another setback for Patreon, which recently announced an extensive user-feature update roadmap after laying off 20 percent of its staff in January.