Thomas Siebel amassed millions of dollars and fame as a pioneer in Artificial intelligence business. This millionaire left a mark in the world of technology, but will AI surpass humanity or will it be just a powerful tool that drives development in various industries?
With advances in machine learning and generative AI, some experts believe these technologies may pose risks. But Siebel, who directs C3.ai, a leading company in AI, maintains that this tool is essential to revolutionize areas such as health and the environment, and that used well should not be a threat to humanity.
Who is Thomas Siebel?
The billionaire businessman was born on November 20, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois, into a large family. His father, Arthur Francis SiebeHe was a lawyer, and his mother, Ruth A. Schmid, came from a Lutheran family. He grew up with six brothers in an environment of values and commitment that marked his character and his future career. From a young age he showed interest in complex topics and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Siebel studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he got a Bachelor’s degree in History and two master’s degrees: one in Business Administrations and another in Computer Science. “My education in Illinois was the starting point of my entire career,” said the businessman, who would later donate millions to his alma mater as a sign of gratitude.
His career took off in Oracle Corporation, where he worked between 1984 and 1990. It was at this stage that he proposed creating business software applications for sales and marketing, but the idea was rejected. This rejection inspired him to found his own company, Siebel Systems, in 1993, revolutionizing the enterprise software industry until being acquired by Oracle in 2006.
Following this sale, Siebel founded C3.ai in 2009, focusing on artificial intelligence solutions for businesss. Today, this company is a leader in the sector and collaborates with institutions such as the US Air Force and the Missile Defense Agency. The company became a benchmark, driving technological advancement in the field of AI.
Thomas Siebel and his concern about the use of AI
Although the businessman is a technology enthusiast, he does not hide his concern about the possible unethical uses of AI. At a conference of M.I.T.shared that some government agencies asked to develop AI for “identify extremists”, a project that he himself rejected. “Who defines what an extremist is?” he questioned, alluding to the dangers of using AI for mass surveillance.
Siebel believes that when AI is used for applications such as predictive maintenance in industries, ethical issues are minimal. However, he warned: “When AI is mixed with sociology, cultural biases seep into the system.” He points out that the power of AI could affect free will if not properly regulated, and calls for a deep ethical debate about its implementation in society.
The millionaire also highlighted the impact of the social networksclassifying them as “humanity’s most destructive invention”. For him, AI in the wrong hands can amplify these effects, manipulating human emotions in ways we do not yet fully understand.
Thomas Siebel and his flirtation with death: the elephant incident
On August 1, 2009, while watching elephants in TanzaniaSiebel was brutally attacked by one of these animals. The guide tried to protect him, but the elephant seriously injured both of them. The millionaire suffered fractures in several ribs, one leg torn and the other crushed. The victims spent three hours without medical attention while they waited for help in critical conditions.
When he was finally taken to hospital in Nairobi, his wounds were cleaned and his leg stabilized. He was then sent to the United States on a long flight where he endured 10 hours without pain medication and had a critical loss of fluids. At Stanford, he began an arduous recovery process that included 19 surgeries in two and a half years.
This incident deeply marked the businessman. Despite the trauma, he did not let fear stop him and returned to his activities with a renewed vision of life. His experience was so impressive that National Geographic included it in his series “Dead or Alive”, highlighting their bravery and resilience.
How much is Thomas Siebel’s fortune today?
At 71 years old, Siebel has a fortune of approximately 4.2 billion dollars, establishing himself as one of the most influential millionaires in Silicon Valley. This businessman invested in sectors such as technology, real estate and agribusiness, and maintains an active participation in politics, donating to parties and causes of interest to him, both in the United States and Canada.
Through the Siebel Foundation, it allocates millions to education and social projects, including the Montana Meth Project, an initiative that combats methamphetamine use. He also donates heavily to the University of Illinois, his alma mater, and has supported research into alternative energy and infrastructure improvements.
Source: Ambito
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