Key Takeaways
- Microsoft-backed OpenAI reportedly is planning to restructure to become a for-profit organization.
- According to Reuters, which first reported the plan, OpenAI is in talks to give CEO Sam Altman equity worth up to $150 billion, while Bloomberg said he may get a 7% stake.
- Meanwhile, OpenAI’s long-serving CTO Mira Murati was among those to announce a departure Wednesday.
OpenAI reportedly is planning to restructure to become a for-profit organization, as the Microsoft (MSFT)-backed company struggles with an ongoing exodus of key personnel.
According to Reuters, which first reported the plan, OpenAI is in talks to give CEO Sam Altman equity worth up to $150 billion, while Bloomberg said the company is discussing giving him a 7% stake. Bloomberg also said the startup is “considering becoming a public benefit corporation, tasked with turning a profit and also helping society.”
A commercial focus would mark a departure from the ChatGPT owner’s original mission of building open-source technology that wouldn’t be subject to commercial priorities.
OpenAI Says Nonprofit Will Remain Core To Startup
In an emailed statement to Investopedia, an OpenAI spokesperson said that its nonprofit mission will continue but didn’t respond directly to the reports.
“We remain focused on building AI that benefits everyone and as we’ve previously shared we’re working with our board to ensure that we’re best positioned to succeed in our mission,” the spokesperson said. “The nonprofit is core to our mission and will continue to exist.”
Meanwhile, OpenAI’s long-serving Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Mira Murati announced her departure Wednesday. Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew also said he was stepping down.