According to reports, investors are taking issue with OpenAI’s board of directors’ decision to fire CEO Sam Altman.
Several investors in OpenAI, the artificial intelligence (AI) startup that created ChatGPT, are allegedly in contact with its largest shareholder, Microsoft, in an attempt to have Altman reinstated as CEO, according to a Nov. 19 Bloomberg article that cited people familiar with the subject.OpenAI stated on November 17 that Mira Murati, its chief technology officer, would take over as CEO in lieu of Altman.The board stated in a blog post that it was difficult to have a thorough knowledge of the operations since Altman’s communication was unclear and dishonest.
It has been reported that Thrive Capital, which was expected to lead a tender offer for employee shares, has not yet sent the money, and Altman’s exit will likely affect its plan of action.Thrive reportedly wants to bring back Altman and its president, Greg Brockman, who left the firm on Friday not long after Altman was fired.
When word got out that Altman had been let go by the board, Brockman made his departure official.In a post on X, Brockman said, “I quit based on today’s news” (previously Twitter).Three prominent researchers at OpenAI, including director of research Jakub Pachocki, head of readiness Aleksander Madry, and senior researcher Szymon Sidor, left after hearing the news.
According to sources, Altman is open to rejoining the company, provided that the current board members vacate their positions by this weekend.Moreover, it has been claimed that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has stated that, considering that he was similarly taken aback by the board’s decision, he will support Altman’s choice.Nevertheless, after being fired on Friday, Altman is reportedly working on a new artificial intelligence project, according to reliable sources.Moreover, rumors suggested that Altman would be collaborating with Brockman on this project.