A group of investors led by Elon Musk has made headlines by submitting a bid to acquire OpenAI, a major player in the artificial intelligence sector. However, the offer of $97.4 billion has reportedly been rejected.
Recent reports indicate that Musk’s investor group made an unsolicited proposal to purchase the nonprofit organization that oversees OpenAI. While Musk co-founded OpenAI with CEO Sam Altman, their relationship has soured since Musk distanced himself from the organization. The shift in OpenAI’s trajectory, especially after the rise of ChatGPT, has sparked public disagreements between the two, as Altman shifts the organization towards a for-profit model.
As the founder of his own AI venture, xAI, Musk has frequently expressed criticism towards OpenAI and its leadership under Altman.
Musk’s legal representatives stated, “It’s time for OpenAI to return to the open-source, safety-focused force for good it once was. We will make sure that happens.”
In a response that appeared to dismiss Musk’s offer, Altman indicated that OpenAI has already secured billions in funding from major corporations and was valued at approximately $157 billion recently.
In a pointed exchange on social media, Altman humorously suggested, “no thank you but we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want,” referring to Musk’s acquisition of the platform, which he purchased for $44 billion in 2022, despite its declining value since the takeover.
Following Altman’s remarks, Musk responded with a succinct, critical comment: “Swindler.”
