According to the Financial Times, OpenAI is currently in “difficult negotiations” with one of its largest investors and partners, Microsoft.
The artificial intelligence startup recently announced a major change in its corporate restructuring plans – while it still aims to turn its business arm into a profitable public benefit corporation, its nonprofit board will remain in control.
The FT reports that it has spoken to several sources who name Microsoft, which has invested $13 billion in OpenAI to date, as a key negotiator needed to approve the restructuring.
While the crux of the talks is how many shares Microsoft will receive in the new commercial entity, the companies are also reportedly reviewing their broader contract, in which Microsoft is offering to give up some of its capital in exchange for access to OpenAI technology developed after the current 2030 timeframe.
Sources also told the FT that these talks are being complicated by growing competition between the two companies as OpenAI’s enterprise business grows, and as the company continues to pursue its hugely ambitious Stargate infrastructure project.
