Due to reports of escalating conflicts between OpenAI and Microsoft, a key investor, The Wall Street Journal has unearthed negotiations on stock allocations and new incentives following OpenAI’s successful organizational restructuring.
It all started when OpenAI, a non-profit company, initially sought investment to achieve the goal of creating AGI, only to realize the need for more funding. This led to the creation of a for-profit subsidiary to limit investor returns and attract new funds, including those from Microsoft. This unique structure sets OpenAI apart.
Despite this, OpenAI has plans for another restructuring following a recent $6.6 billion funding round, aiming to give the for-profit sector more autonomy to increase investor appeal. Both OpenAI and Microsoft have hired consultants to assess the impact of this new for-profit focus. Currently, Microsoft’s $13.75 billion investment prompts questions about the percentage of ownership and governance control they should have.
The complex nature of OpenAI’s structure leaves many uncertainties, especially regarding employee stock ownership and the final distribution of profits. With a soaring valuation, OpenAI faces a 2-year deadline to further enhance its for-profit status, a condition of the recent funding. Failure could result in investors recalling their funds, pressuring OpenAI to find a solution with Microsoft.
TLDR: OpenAI and Microsoft face conflicts amid negotiations over stock allocations and new incentives post-restructuring, with uncertainty looming over the complex profit-sharing structure.
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