A weekend of chaos and a major acquisition by Microsoft

  • OpenAI was once seen as the next Google or Facebook
  • A botched coup and self-inflicted blows have led to a collapse
  • Microsoft acquired OpenAI for zero dollars and gained a perpetual license to its intellectual property
  • OpenAI staff are threatening to quit unless the board resigns
  • The shift of AI power now lies with Microsoft, raising concerns about its influence in the field

Just a week ago, OpenAI was poised to be the next Google or Facebook with a valuation of $86 billion. However, a botched coup and a series of self-inflicted blows have led to a spectacular collapse at the company. OpenAI’s chief executive and co-founder were quickly snatched up by Microsoft, which acquired OpenAI for zero dollars and gained a perpetual license to its intellectual property. This has caused chaos within OpenAI, with staff threatening to quit unless the board resigns. The shift of AI power now lies with Microsoft, raising concerns about its influence in the field.

Public Companies: OpenAI (null), Netscape Communications (null), Silicon Graphics (null), Sun Microsystems (null), Microsoft Corp (MSFT), Box Inc (BOX), Tesla Inc (TSLA)
Private Companies:
Key People: Sam Altman (Chief Executive), Greg Brockman (Co-founder and President), David Borish (AI Strategist), Bhaskar Chakravorti (Dean of Global Business at the Fletcher School at Tufts University), Aaron Levie (CEO of Box Inc), Emmett Shear (Twitch co-founder), Mira Murati (Chief Technology Officer), Ilya Sutskever (Chief Data Scientist), Brad Lightcap (Chief Operating Officer), Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO), Dan Ives (Wedbush Securities analyst), Steve Weber (Antitrust expert and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Information)


Factuality Level: 3
Justification: The article contains some relevant information about the recent events at OpenAI and the involvement of Microsoft. However, it also includes speculation, opinions, and sensational language that may not be entirely accurate or objective. The article lacks in-depth analysis and relies heavily on quotes from unnamed sources. Overall, the factuality level is low due to the presence of misleading information and biased reporting.

Noise Level: 3
Justification: The article contains a lot of irrelevant information and speculation about the motivations and actions of the individuals involved. It also includes exaggerated language and comparisons that are not supported by evidence. The article lacks scientific rigor and intellectual honesty.

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article discusses the collapse of OpenAI, a prominent AI company. This could have implications for the AI industry and potentially impact the valuation of other AI companies.

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The article primarily focuses on the collapse of OpenAI and its impact on the AI industry. While it discusses significant events within the company, such as the departure of key executives and the potential resignation of staff, there is no mention of an extreme event.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com