$11 Million Cryptocurrency Theft: Armed Robber Targets OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's Ex-Partner's Home

Lachy Groom established himself as a prominent young entrepreneur, having founded 4 startups and sold 3 of them before reaching the age of 18.

A technology investor and former partner of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had cryptocurrency valued at $11 million stolen during a Saturday evening home invasion. According to police sources, an armed individual impersonating a delivery worker forced entry into the residence located in San Francisco's Mission District.

Lachy Groom, a 31-year-old venture capitalist, acquired the Dorland Street property from Altman's brother in 2021, paying $1.8 million according to property records.

The perpetrator arrived at Groom's $4.4 million Dorland Street home carrying a white box, asking for "Joshua" and claiming to be delivering a package on behalf of a UPS partner company.

Joshua, another tech investor residing at the property, responded to the door. The intruder requested his signature for the package, searched through his pocket, asked for a pen, and subsequently followed him inside. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that a loud noise was heard shortly thereafter.

Once inside the residence, the robber brandished a gun at Joshua, restrained him with duct tape, and stole his mobile phone and computer while emptying his cryptocurrency wallets, police reported. Officers arrived at the scene at 6:45 pm and discovered the victim suffering from minor contusions.

According to reports, the armed intruder stole $11 million in Ethereum and Bitcoin in what investigators believe was a specifically targeted operation conducted by an organized criminal group.

During the 90-minute ordeal, the suspect allegedly tortured the victim, physically assaulting him while holding a phone on speakerphone as foreign voices relayed information.

The perpetrator also poured liquid over the resident before emptying the cryptocurrency wallets, according to sources.

The neighborhood is known for being home to technology elite. In close proximity, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg previously owned a property valued at $31 million. The NY Post reported that Groom and Altman have collaborated on startup investments in the past.

Groom, an Australian native, gained recognition as a young entrepreneurial talent, establishing four startups and selling three before turning 18. He was subsequently identified as part of the so-called "Stripe Mafia," a network of former Stripe employees who went on to establish venture-backed companies.

Authorities indicated that the suspect remains at large as they continue investigating the incident as part of a growing trend of violent cryptocurrency thefts targeting wealthy investors.