OpenAI Takes Its Mask Off
Atlantic11 hrs
Report: OpenAI Becoming For-Profit, Giving Altman a Stake
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Above: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks during the OpenAI DevDay event on Nov. 6, 2023, in San Francisco, California. Image copyright: Justin Sullivan/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Reuters has claimed that OpenAI, the creator of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT, is planning to shift from its current nonprofit status to a for-profit company. Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman, who previously said he wouldn't take a financial share, will reportedly now receive equity.
While the nonprofit side will maintain a minority stake in the company, the for-profit change is reportedly expected to entice new investors, including Apple, Nvidia, and the UAE-backed firm MGX.
The Spin
Narrative A
OpenAI has already changed the world for the better, which is why its nonprofit arm will remain a crucial part of the new corporation. However, to accomplish the technological pursuits required to further benefit humanity, the company will need enough financial backing, and thus seek business partnerships with tech powerhouses like Apple.
Narrative B
While Altman publicly claims that this move is to further OpenAI's initial nonprofit mission, privately he's been pushing the organization away from its altruistic philosophy for some time. This is why founding members and other longtime employees have been leaving in droves — including top scientists. Those on the inside have seen this coming for a while.
