Microsoft has recently welcomed the ousted CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, and his team to lead a new advanced artificial intelligence (AI) research venture. This announcement comes after OpenAI made the surprising decision to fire Altman, which caused concern among investors and employees. However, despite efforts to bring him back, the decision was upheld by the board.
Altman’s abrupt sacking raised fears of a talent exodus and potential impact on an upcoming $86 billion share sale. High-profile investors, including Microsoft and venture firm Thrive Capital, attempted to restore Altman as CEO, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI, which amounts to over $10 billion, makes it the company’s largest backer. The tech giant has also integrated OpenAI’s technology into its own products. With Altman now joining Microsoft, there is speculation that the company may secure a role on OpenAI’s board of directors.
Emmett Shear, the former CEO of Twitch, has been reported as the new CEO of the company behind ChatGPT, which was developed by OpenAI. Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, expressed excitement about working with Shear and the new leadership team.
Altman and Greg Brockman, who previously served as OpenAI’s chairman, have now joined Microsoft’s executives at the company’s headquarters. Discussions are underway regarding Altman’s possible return to OpenAI, along with improvements to the company’s governance structure. Altman is also considering launching a new AI venture.
The appointment of Shear as the CEO means that Mira Murati, OpenAI’s interim CEO, will no longer continue in that role. Murati herself had invited Altman to join the company’s headquarters following his dismissal.
OpenAI made headlines when it released ChatGPT, a chatbot that quickly gained popularity and became one of the fastest-growing software applications in the world.
The addition of Altman and his team to Microsoft’s AI research venture showcases the company’s commitment to advancing the field of artificial intelligence. As one of the leading global tech giants, Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI holds significant potential for innovative developments in AI technology.
