OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks in the course of the OpenAI DevDay event on November 06, 2023 in San Francisco, California.
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OpenAI investors are pushing to bring back Sam Altman as CEO one day after he was ousted by the board, according to people accustomed to the matter.
Microsoft, Tiger Global and enterprise firm Thrive Capital are amongst several of OpenAI’s top backers which can be a part of an effort to reinstate Altman, said a source, who asked not to be named because discussions are confidential.
Sequoia Capital has also been in touch with Altman, an individual accustomed to knowledge of the matter told CNBC. Sequoia supports Altman and former OpenAI president Greg Brockman in whatever they select to do next, whether it’s returning to OpenAI or making a recent startup, the person said. Sequoia also informed Microsoft that it could back efforts to bring back Altman and Brockman, the person said.
The Verge first reported on the talks to bring back Altman. The publication, citing a source, said Altman is “ambivalent” about returning and would demand governance changes. Altman didn’t immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment. Nor did Thrive. Microsoft declined to comment.
OpenAI’s announcement late Friday that the corporate was firing Altman and replacing him on an interim basis with technology chief Mira Murati sent shockwaves across Silicon Valley. OpenAI has emerged as the most popular startup on the planet since launching its ChatGPT chatbot last 12 months and spurring a rush of investment generative artificial intelligence market. The corporate had reportedly been in talks as recently as last month to sell worker shares at a valuation of $86 billion.
Microsoft, which has invested billions of dollars in OpenAI and has a detailed technology partnership with the corporate, was surprised by the announcement. As well as to ousting Altman, the corporate removed Brockman, the chairman, from his board leadership position but said he would remain as president. Brockman said later within the day that he quit.
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