New York: Brian O’Kelley, the Princeton-educated engineer who helped shape modern digital advertising, is making headlines not just for his business achievements but for his commitment to social responsibility.
O’Kelley co-founded AppNexus in 2007, a pioneering ad-tech company that revolutionized programmatic advertising and real-time bidding. By 2018, AppNexus had become a global leader in the sector and was acquired by AT&T in a landmark $1.6 billion deal.
But unlike many tech founders, O’Kelley took an unconventional path after the sale. He kept less than $100 million of the proceeds, donating the majority to causes focused on education, sustainability, and social welfare. His decision was rooted in a belief that “extreme wealth should be used to create meaningful change, not personal excess.”
Since then, O’Kelley has launched new ventures focused on sustainability. His company Scope3 helps organizations measure and reduce carbon emissions, while Waybridge develops technology to create more transparent and resilient supply chains. Both initiatives reflect his pivot from pure profit-making to building businesses with long-term social impact.
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Industry leaders say his approach marks a shift in how tech wealth can be used. By giving away much of his fortune and focusing on climate and sustainability, O’Kelley has set an example for a new generation of entrepreneurs.
“Brian O’Kelley has shown that innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand,” one industry observer noted, adding that his journey is “as much about values as it is about business.”
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