The rivalry between Elon Musk and Sam Altman has intensified as the CEO of OpenAI, Elon Musk, publicly criticised the ‘X’ owner’s “insecurity” on Tuesday, claiming that it was a contributing factor to his hostile quest for control of the AI technology company.
Altman reiterated that “OpenAI is not for sale” amid the intensifying verbal conflict between the tech entrepreneurs. The OpenAI mission is not for sale.
Altman stated in an interview with Bloomberg, “I empathise with the individual; it is likely that his entire life has been characterised by insecurity.” He also expressed his belief that Musk is not a “happy person.”
As part of a federal lawsuit against ChatGPT manufacturer, key investor Microsoft, and Sam Altman, Musk’s bid was made in the context of his efforts to obstruct the transition of OpenAI from a non-profit to for-profit organisation.
In 2015, Atman and Musk co-founded OpenAI as a non-profit organisation; however, Musk departed the organisation prior to its successful launch and significant market presence.
“I wish he would simply compete.”
On Monday, a consortium of investors, led by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, submitted an offer of $97.4 billion to acquire the non-profit organisation that oversees OpenAI. This development precipitated additional tensions in Musk’s ongoing dispute with Altman.
Nevertheless, the CEO of OpenAI promptly responded and posted on X, “We will purchase Twitter for $9.74 billion if you wish.”
The chief executive of the ChatGPT maker company also disclosed to Bloomberg on the margins of the AI Action Summit in Paris that Musk’s offer was likely intended to impede their progress. It is evident that he is a competitor.
“I wish he would just compete by building a better product, but I think there’s been a lot of tactics, many, many lawsuits, all sorts of other crazy stuff,” according to Altman.
Nevertheless, the board of OpenAI will have some influence on the extent to which the offer should be adopted, despite Altman’s public response to Musk’s bid. Larry Summers, the director of the OpenAI board, informed the media outlet that he has not received “any formal communication” from Musk regarding the proposal.
It is important to note that Musk’s counsel stated that his offer was supported by his own firm, xAI, and a number of investors, including Valour Equity Partners, Baron Capital, Atreides Management, Vy Capital, Joe Lonsdale’s 8VC, and media executive Ari Emanuel, through his investment fund.
In the context of this, OpenAI is currently engaged in an endeavour to organise a significant fundraising event that has the potential to generate a post-money valuation of $300 billion. The company was valued at $157 billion in October of the previous year.
The board underwent a comprehensive overhaul as a result of the fallout between Altman and the OpenAI board. This has resulted in the inclusion of former treasury secretary Larry Summers and investment banker Adebayo Ogunlesi on the Directors’ List.
