The CEO Who Gave Away His Fortune to Stay Grounded
Brian O’Kelley, the co-founder and former CEO of AppNexus, made headlines when he sold his ad-tech company to AT&T for $1.6 billion in 2018. But what set him apart wasn’t just the size of the deal—it was his decision to keep less than $100 million and give away the rest to causes he cares about. Unlike many entrepreneurs who see wealth as the ultimate measure of success, O’Kelley believes in maintaining perspective, staying connected to reality, and leading with humility.
This philosophy has sparked conversations about what “too much” money really means. Some argue billionaires shouldn’t exist at all, but O’Kelley’s example shows that it’s possible to be generous without sacrificing ambition.
Building AppNexus: Innovation Meets Opportunity
O’Kelley’s journey began long before the billion-dollar sale. He co-founded AppNexus in 2007 as a platform to help publishers and advertisers manage online ad inventory more efficiently. Under his leadership, the company became a pioneer in programmatic advertising, leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimize digital campaigns.
AppNexus grew rapidly, attracting major clients and investors, and eventually became one of the most valuable independent ad-tech companies in the U.S. Its acquisition by AT&T wasn’t just a financial milestone—it was recognition of the platform’s strategic importance in a competitive digital advertising ecosystem. Some CEOs, like John Morgan, have built legal empires to empower others, and O’Kelley’s leadership in tech philanthropy reflects a similar ethos in the corporate world.
Why He Keeps Less Than $100 Million
For O’Kelley, the decision to cap personal wealth isn’t just about generosity—it’s about mindset. “We never wanted to have so much money we didn’t have to make choices,” he explains. Keeping his fortune within limits keeps him grounded, accountable, and motivated to continue innovating.
O’Kelley applies the same principle to family life, ensuring his children appreciate effort, perspective, and responsibility. While he enjoys certain comforts, he avoids excess to prevent entitlement. NYC’s mayoral debates about wealth distribution highlight why managing wealth responsibly can serve as a model for society.
Philanthropy: Giving with Purpose
After the AppNexus sale, O’Kelley and his wife carefully chose which causes to support. Their donations focus on education, social justice, technology access, and healthcare initiatives. By directing wealth toward meaningful, systemic solutions, they aim to create lasting impact rather than temporary relief.
O’Kelley sees philanthropy as a complement to his professional life. Giving back doesn’t replace ambition; it channels resources toward building a better world while maintaining the drive to create and innovate. Smart and timely investments can coexist with a humble lifestyle, proving that financial success doesn’t need to be a tool for excess.
Lessons from a Grounded CEO
O’Kelley’s story shows that entrepreneurship and generosity can coexist. He demonstrates that wealth is a tool for impact, not a measure of personal worth. By keeping his earnings moderate and giving away the rest, he models leadership that is responsible, ambitious, and socially conscious.
For business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs, the takeaway is clear: true influence comes not just from building companies, but from using success to make a meaningful difference. By blending ambition with humility, O’Kelley sets a standard for modern leadership—showing that it is possible to achieve extraordinary professional success while staying fully grounded and purpose-driven.
