In a stunning turn of events, Sam Altman, recently ousted as the head of OpenAI, the pioneering company behind ChatGPT, was reportedly engaged in discussions with investors about launching a new venture before his abrupt departure, sources claim.
Greg Brockman, former president of OpenAI, is anticipated to join Altman in this new venture, adding to the exodus of key senior executives from the artificial intelligence firm. While details about the new company remain shrouded in development, the prospect of more OpenAI employees joining this endeavor looms large.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, a report from the Verge on Saturday night suggests that the OpenAI board is in talks with Sam Altman to reinstate him as the CEO, a mere day after his ousting.
The crisis at OpenAI further deepened with the revelation that Altman’s removal stemmed from alleged misleading of the board. A statement released by OpenAI mentioned a loss of confidence in Altman, asserting that a comprehensive review found him lacking consistency in communication without specifying details.
Internal company memos from the chief operating officer, Brad Lightcap, conveyed that Altman’s dismissal was a result of a “breakdown in communication” with the board, dispelling notions of financial or business improprieties.
The departure of Altman and subsequent resignation of Greg Brockman have left the tech world in astonishment, triggering speculations about internal discord over AI safety issues. Reports indicate resignations from key figures within OpenAI, including Jakub Pachocki, director of research, Aleksander Madry, head of a risk evaluation team, and Szymon Sidor, a researcher.
OpenAI’s interim chief executive, Mira Murati, now steers the company amid this turbulent period. The sudden upheaval jeopardizes the planned share sale, valued at over $86 billion, with Thrive Capital leading the offer. The tender offer was in its final stages and anticipated to conclude next month.
The swift changes within OpenAI have prompted queries about a potential “coup” or “hostile takeover,” with staff seeking clarification from OpenAI’s chief scientist, Ilya Sutskever. He insisted that the board was executing its duty to the nonprofit’s mission of advancing artificial general intelligence for the benefit of humanity.
Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI, affirmed its commitment to the partnership despite the disruptions. Investment advisory firms characterized these developments as an “earthquake” and a potential subject for a “Netflix documentary.”
Tech luminaries, including Eric Schmidt, ex-CEO of Google, hailed Altman as a “hero” and praised his transformative impact. The French government even extended an invitation, with the digital minister expressing that Altman and his team would be “welcome in France.”
The unfolding saga at OpenAI remains a focal point of industry scrutiny, leaving the future of the company and the AI landscape in a state of uncertainty.
