While OpenAI was initially launched as a non-profit organization in 2015, notably with billionaire Elon Musk, the project underwent its first transformation in 2019.
At the time, the project evolved with the creation of a company that gave rise to ChatGPT in 2022. But while some analysts believe that these decisions allowed OpenAI to evolve more quickly than expected, this decision has also been strongly criticized by former employees.
Decisions highly contested internally...
Recently, it was once again Elon Musk who openly attacked OpenAI. This could even lead to a lawsuit, following a complaint filed on April 9. While the latter also retaliated with a court order to prevent OpenAI from keeping its company, it seems to have lost a first round.
While OpenAI, and more specifically its CEO Sam Altman, continue to face numerous criticisms regarding these decisions, the organization has just published a press release which should reassure many critics.
The OpenAI association retains commercial control over the company
Even though OpenAI had communicated, last December, on a potential complete transformation into a commercial company, this new twist is somewhat surprising...
Indeed, in the press release published this Monday, May 5 on the OpenAI website, Bret Taylor, the Chairman of the Board, affirms that the company remains supervised and controlled by the association.
While this decision may come as a surprise, it was carefully considered. Since the company is based in San Francisco but operates in Delaware, it was more complicated than expected.
Fortunately for OpenAI, although a standoff seemed to be taking place between the non-profit's activities and the company, discussions with prosecutors in Delaware and California have allowed the two organizations to find common ground.
A necessary decision for OpenAI's growth?
While this decision is likely to be debated in the coming days, it should allow OpenAI to continue its expansion through fundraising. Last month, OpenAI had already announced a spectacular fundraising of $40 billion, while ChatGPT was valued at $300 billion.
According to OpenAI, this decision should therefore be beneficial for the company, but also for the association. Indeed, it would allow the latter to dedicate part of the revenue generated by OpenAI's activity to charitable causes.
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