OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has responded to Elon Musk following Musk’s recent bid to purchase the AI company for $97.4 billion. In an interview at the Paris AI Action Summit, Altman made it clear that OpenAI is not for sale, suggesting that Musk’s offer is an attempt to hinder their progress.
Musk, who co-founded OpenAI but left the organization, has a history of legal disputes with Altman, claiming that OpenAI has strayed from its original philanthropic mission by prioritizing profit.
Altman emphasized that while the board will review Musk’s substantial offer, they are wary of his intentions and whether he would align with OpenAI’s mission. Musk’s involvement in the AI space has intensified since launching his own AI venture, x.AI. Altman expressed his desire for Musk to focus on creating a superior product rather than engaging in legal battles and competitive tactics.
He remarked that Musk appears to operate from a place of insecurity and expressed concern for his well-being.
Despite the challenges posed by Musk’s offer, Altman reassured that OpenAI’s nonprofit mission remains intact and crucial to their future direction. He clarified that the organization is not shifting entirely to a for-profit model, though they are exploring structural options to support their goals.
The looming offer from Musk complicates OpenAI’s plans, as they must evaluate the potential impact on their nonprofit status and mission. If Musk’s bid is genuine, it sets a new valuation benchmark for the company, but OpenAI is not obligated to maximize profits due to its nonprofit nature.
Overall, the ongoing rivalry between Altman and Musk has made the future of AI more contentious and costly, with both leaders firmly entrenched in their respective visions for the industry.
