Elon Musk has led a consortium in making a $97.4 billion bid to acquire the nonprofit organization that controls OpenAI.
This move is seen as an attempt to prevent OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit entity, a direction that has been a point of contention between Musk and OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman.
Altman dismissed the offer, humorously suggesting on social media that he would consider purchasing Twitter for $9.74 billion instead. This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the two tech leaders, who have previously clashed over the strategic direction of OpenAI.
Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but departed due to strategic disagreements, has been critical of the organization’s recent projects and its close association with investor Microsoft. In 2023, he launched a rival AI startup, xAI, further intensifying the competition in the artificial intelligence sector.
The proposed takeover bid raises questions about OpenAI’s valuation and its future fundraising efforts, especially as it plans to convert into a for-profit public benefit corporation.
Musk’s consortium includes several tech investors, and the bid has deepened divisions within the tech community, with potential political implications given Musk’s role in the Trump administration.
