Sam Altman, the recently ousted CEO of OpenAI, is reportedly considering a return to the company as discussions about a possible new artificial intelligence (AI) venture unfold. Despite being fired by the board, Altman has engaged in conversations with OpenAI executives to explore ways of enhancing the company’s governance structure. Simultaneously, he has been in talks with core OpenAI researchers and other individuals loyal to him regarding the possibility of starting a new AI company.
The outcome of these deliberations remains uncertain, with sources stating that the prospects of Altman returning to OpenAI or launching a new venture are still in flux. While both OpenAI and Altman have refrained from commenting on the situation, investors, including major backer Microsoft, are reportedly concerned about the potential talent drain if Altman does not return as CEO. They are engaging in damage control efforts, with discussions about reinstating Altman as CEO currently underway.
One of OpenAI’s early supporters, Kholsa Ventures, has expressed its desire to see Altman return to the company but has also pledged its support for his future endeavors. Microsoft, which reportedly owns 49% of OpenAI, declined to comment on the matter. Emotions ran high among current and former employees following Altman’s unexpected termination, as they expressed anger and concern about the impact it could have on an upcoming $86 billion share sale.
OpenAI, a non-profit organization co-founded by Elon Musk, achieved significant global recognition with the launch of its ChatGPT bot in November 2020. This generative AI technology quickly became the world’s fastest-growing software application, leading to a surge of investments and adoption across various industries.
The use of generative AI, which can produce human-like content, has sparked endeavors to utilize the technology across domains such as finance, healthcare, and entertainment. The introduction of ChatGPT prompted regulatory bodies to respond, with the European Union revising its AI Act and the United States initiating efforts to regulate AI.
Reports suggest that some employees at OpenAI have contemplated resigning if Altman is not reinstated as CEO by the end of the weekend. Meanwhile, there is support among others to join Altman in his new AI venture. Former OpenAI President Greg Brockman, who left the company following Altman’s firing, is expected to be part of this new initiative.
Despite the management upheaval, OpenAI remains committed to its mission. Altman’s removal as CEO was not due to any wrongdoing but rather a breakdown in communication, according to an internal memo from Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap.
Speculations surround Altman’s potential collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive on the development of a new AI hardware device. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son is also said to have been involved in the discussion.
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