Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, was suddenly kicked out of his position at the company he himself founded, OpenAI. The startup became popular when it launched its AI-generative chatbot service, ChatGPT.
After being fired, Altman was reportedly planning a “revenge” to return to the industry by launching a new AI company.
This plan was known from an inside source who was familiar with the internal turmoil, quoted from ReutersMonday (20/11/2023).
The day after the board of directors fired him, Altman immediately discussed with several core researchers at OpenAI and other parties loyal to Altman, as a first step in starting a new AI company.
The likelihood of a return for Altman, seen by many as the ‘father’ of generative AI, remains uncertain.
OpenAI and Altman did not return requests for comment.
Investors in OpenAI, including its biggest backer Microsoft, are discussing controlling the domino effect on the company, including possibly pushing the board to reinstate Altman as CEO out of concern of a mass exodus of talent without him.
Khosla Ventures, an early backer of OpenAI, wanted Altman to return to OpenAI. Through his X account, he posted support for Altman in whatever he would do in the future.
It is reported that Microsoft owns 49% of the company, while other investors and employees control 49%, with 2% owned by non-profit parent OpenAI.
Emotions ran high Saturday as current and former employees raged at management over Altman’s firing. They are worried about how the upcoming US$86 billion share sale could be affected by a sudden management shake-up.
Some shocked employees considered quitting if Altman was not reinstated by the end of last weekend. Others expressed support for Altman joining if he started a new company.
Former OpenAI President Greg Brockman said he was leaving OpenAI due to Altman’s dismissal. Brockman is expected to join in whatever steps Altman takes next.
Several researchers at OpenAI, including Szymon Sidor, have left the company due to the CEO change, but it is unclear whether Sidor and others will join Altman’s new company.
Altman and former Apple design chief Jony Ive have discussed creating new AI hardware, according to reports The Information last September. It was reported that SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son was involved in the conversation.
Altman’s firing occurred due to a “communication breakdown,” not “irregularities,” Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap wrote in an internal company memo Saturday seen by Reuters.
Some media such as The Verge And Forbes reported, after the dismissal there had been discussions between the board and OpenAI investors to reinstate Altman as CEO.
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
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