OpenAI, the artificial intelligence research lab behind the popular ChatGPT chatbot, is reportedly in early discussions with the California Attorney General’s office to change its corporate structure and become a for-profit business.
According to a Bloomberg News report, the move would mark a significant reversal in the company’s governance, which was founded in 2015 as a non-profit AI research organization.
Shifting to a for-profit model would make OpenAI more attractive to potential investors, as the company looks to secure additional funding to fuel its rapidly expanding operations and AI ambitions.
Last month, OpenAI closed a $6.6 billion funding round, potentially valuing the company at a staggering $157 billion – cementing its status as one of the most valuable private companies in the world.
However, the transition has raised some concerns within the AI community. Reuters previously reported that OpenAI’s non-profit entity will continue to exist and maintain a minority stake in the new for-profit structure.
This move comes as OpenAI has faced growing scrutiny over its operations and priorities. In September, a former safety team leader at the company, Jan Leike, resigned and criticized that “safety culture and processes have taken a backseat to shiny products” at the organization.
Neither OpenAI nor the California Attorney General’s office have provided any immediate comment on the reported restructuring discussions.
The potential shift to a for-profit model represents a significant evolution for OpenAI, which was founded with the goal of developing safe and ethical artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity. The implications of this change on the company’s mission and future direction remain to be seen.
Source: Reuters
