OpenAI Considers Structural Changes Amid New Investment Round

OpenAI, known for creating ChatGPT, is reportedly considering changes to its nonprofit structure as it seeks to attract more investors in a new multi-billion dollar funding round. According to the Financial Times, OpenAI is discussing the potential to restructure away from its non-profit status to better accommodate investor interest. The AI startup, which transitioned to a “capped profit” model in 2019, may even consider removing these caps as part of the restructuring.

The discussions come as OpenAI is engaging with major investors like Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft, aiming to secure a valuation exceeding $100 billion. Venture capital firm Thrive Capital is purportedly leading this funding effort with a significant investment of around $1 billion. The Financial Times noted that despite these changes, OpenAI remains committed to its foundational goal of developing AI technology that benefits humanity.

This development follows earlier controversies involving OpenAI co-founder Elon Musk, who sued the company and CEO Sam Altman earlier this year. Musk’s lawsuit, which was dropped in June, accused OpenAI of prioritizing profit over its commitment to open and beneficial AI, highlighting tensions within the organization about its direction and the balance between open research and profitable ventures.