In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft, the tech giant, is set to take up a non-voting, observer position on OpenAI's board.
This announcement was made by Sam Altman, the reinstated CEO of OpenAI, marking his first official move since reclaiming the company's helm.
An observer position implies that Microsoft's representative will have access to confidential information and can participate in OpenAI's board meetings. However, they will not have voting rights on critical matters, including the appointment or selection of directors.
This move comes after Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, expressed the need for governance changes at ChatGPT, the AI software maker. Nadella was instrumental in recruiting Altman to Microsoft following his temporary ousting from OpenAI.
OpenAI's new board, announced last week, includes former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor as chair and Larry Summers, the former US treasury secretary. Adam D'Angelo, the CEO of Quora, who was part of the board that originally dismissed Altman, remains on the board.
Microsoft's significant investment in OpenAI, totalling over $10bn, has resulted in it owning 49% of the company. However, despite this substantial stake, Microsoft will not have voting rights on the non-profit board.
The return of Altman to OpenAI and the subsequent changes to the board's structure have sparked intrigue about the future of the startup, which is at the heart of the AI boom. Altman's co-founder, Greg Brockman, will also be returning to the company as president.
In a world where AI Titans are increasingly joining forces, this move marks a significant shift in the governance of AI. As these giants come together, the future of AI is set to be an exciting journey. Buckle up, folks!
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