OpenAI is reportedly in the process of raising over $6.5 billion in a funding round that would value the company at over $150 billion. This could potentially lead to the company abandoning its hybrid nonprofit corporate structure, which was designed to cap investor returns and ensure alignment with its founding mission. The company has been criticized for not being able to hold itself accountable, with former board members expressing doubts about its ability to resist profit incentives.
Key takeaways:
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is stepping down from the internal Safety and Security Committee, which will now become an independent board oversight group chaired by Carnegie Mellon professor Zico Kolter.
- The committee will continue to oversee safety decisions related to OpenAI's projects and operations, including conducting safety reviews of AI models and receiving regular reports on technical assessments.
- Altman's departure follows criticism from U.S. senators and former OpenAI staff, who have accused him of opposing real AI regulation and increasing federal lobbying expenditures to advance OpenAI's corporate aims.
- OpenAI is rumored to be raising over $6.5 billion in funding, potentially abandoning its hybrid nonprofit corporate structure, which could further increase the company's profit incentives and impact its founding mission.