Altman's move comes amidst a generative AI boom, with Nvidia currently controlling about 80% of the AI chip market. OpenAI's ChatGPT, launched in November 2022, broke records as the fastest-growing consumer app in history, with over 100 million weekly active users and more than 92% of Fortune 500 companies using the platform. Despite a brief ouster last November, Altman returned to OpenAI within a week and the company has since announced a new board.
Key takeaways:
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is reportedly seeking trillions of dollars in investments to increase global chip-building capacity, addressing the supply-and-demand problem with AI chips.
- Altman is in talks with various investors, including the government of the United Arab Emirates, and might need to raise between $5 trillion and $7 trillion for the project.
- Altman has previously invested in AI chip startups and sought funding for a new chip venture, leading to some controversy.
- OpenAI's ChatGPT bot, which Altman strongly supported, has become the fastest-growing consumer app in history, with over 100 million weekly active users and usage by over 92% of Fortune 500 companies.