OpenAI Investors Campaign to Reinstate Ousted CEO Sam Altman, Seeking Governance Changes
In a surprising turn of events, OpenAI investors are reportedly rallying to bring back Sam Altman as CEO after he was recently ousted by the board. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Microsoft, Tiger Global, and venture firm Thrive Capital, among others, are part of an effort to reinstate Altman. These top backers of OpenAI apparently believe in Altman’s leadership and are eager to see him back at the helm of the company.
Sequoia Capital, an influential investor in OpenAI, has also been in contact with Altman. According to insiders, Sequoia not only supports Altman but also former OpenAI president Greg Brockman in their next move, whether it involves returning to OpenAI or creating a new startup. Sequoia has even informed Microsoft of its intention to back efforts to bring back Altman and Brockman.
The talks to reinstate Altman were first reported by The Verge, citing a source who mentioned that Altman is ambivalent about returning and would demand governance changes. Altman and Thrive Capital have not yet provided comments on the matter, while Microsoft declined to comment.
OpenAI made waves in Silicon Valley with the recent announcement that Altman was being fired and temporarily replaced by technology chief Mira Murati. The company has rapidly gained prominence since the launch of its ChatGPT chatbot, attracting significant investment in the generative artificial intelligence market. It was even rumored to be in talks last month to sell employee shares at a valuation of $86 billion.
Microsoft, one of OpenAI’s major investors and a close technology partner, was caught off guard by the announcement. Aside from removing Altman, OpenAI also relinquished Greg Brockman’s leadership position on the board but stated that he would remain as president. However, Brockman later revealed that he had actually resigned from the company.
It remains to be seen how these developments will ultimately play out for OpenAI and its future direction. The support from influential investors like Microsoft, Tiger Global, and Thrive Capital suggests that Altman may still have a chance to reclaim his position as CEO. Whether he chooses to return or pursues a new venture, the potential governance changes demanded by Altman could shape the future trajectory of OpenAI.
