Microsoft has secured a non-voting board seat at OpenAI, marking a significant step following a period of uncertainty surrounding the company’s involvement with the startup.
This move follows a turbulent month during which OpenAI’s controlling non-profit board dismissed and then reinstated CEO Sam Altman.
The relationship between OpenAI and Microsoft has deepened since Microsoft’s substantial $13 billion investment in the startup and the integration of its AI models into Microsoft’s software suite, including Office.
Previously, Microsoft lacked official representation on the startup’s controlling board, which resulted in surprises surrounding Altman’s initial dismissal.
Altman expressed enthusiasm about Microsoft’s inclusion as a non-voting observer on the new board, citing it as a favorable decision in their partnership.
He praised OpenAI’s resilience during the recent upheaval, highlighting that the company did not experience any employee departures.
In his communication to staff, Altman disclosed plans to establish a new board of directors for OpenAI.
This board will include prominent figures such as former Salesforce CEO Bret Taylor, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo.
Mira Murati, reinstated as OpenAI’s CTO after briefly serving as interim CEO, resumes her role, while Greg Brockman returns as OpenAI president.
Taylor emphasized the focus on enhancing the company’s corporate governance and later announced his intention to step down from the board once it is fully staffed and the company stabilizes.
Although a Microsoft representative declined to disclose the individual taking the non-voting seat at OpenAI’s board meetings, this development solidifies Microsoft’s closer involvement in the startup’s operations.
Source-CNBC
