After Microsoft's CEO announced that Sam Altman and another OpenAI co-founder, Greg Brockman, would join Microsoft's new AI team as executives, nearly 95% of OpenAI employees collectively signed a letter requesting the board to dissolve and reinstate their positions, threatening resignation otherwise.
The Threat from 95% of Employees
But according to a report by Wired last night, out of approximately 770 employees at OpenAI, 738 individuals (roughly 95% of the company's staff) have signed an open letter requesting the board to dissolve and reinstate Sam Altman and former President Greg Brockman to their positions, threatening collective resignation if this is not addressed.
The letter was mentioned,
"The process of firing Sam Altman and having Greg Brockman leave the board jeopardised all this work, undermining our mission and the company. Your (board's) actions clearly show you are not capable of overseeing OpenAI."
OpenAI employees also threatened to join Microsoft in their letter.
"Microsoft has assured us that if we choose to join, all OpenAI employees will have positions in this new subsidiary."
It's worth noting that the signatories to this letter include the company's co-founder and Chief Scientist, Ilya Sutskever, who was initially accused of being a key figure behind this coup. Shortly before the release of the letter, Sutskever also wrote on X,
"I deeply regret my participation in the board's actions. I never intended to harm OpenAI. I love everything we've built together, and I will do everything I can to reunite the company."
Sam Altman Responded
As things escalated, Altman also posted a message a few hours ago on X, stating,
"We have more unity and commitment and focus than ever before. We are all going to work together some way or other, and i'm so excited. One team, One mission."
He also hinted at continuing to collaborate with OpenAI staff. However, in this new partnership, Microsoft might wield greater influence.
"Satya and my top priority remains to ensure openai continues to thrive. We are committed to fully providing continuity of operations to our partners and customers. The openai/microsoft partnership makes this very doable."
Microsoft Stock Hits A New High
The outcome of this power struggle within OpenAI still holds variables, but for now, besides other AI robot competitors, Microsoft is the big winner. Microsoft (MSFT) saw a strong market opening last night, with a 2.05% increase (7.59 USD), closing at 377.44 USD, once again hitting a new all-time high.
(Source: Google)