Sam Altman 'hints' about the possibility of returning to OpenAI

Major shareholders like Microsoft, Tiger Global and venture firm Thrive Capital are among OpenAI's top backers, and are pressing for Sam Altman to return.

Microsoft reportedly owns 49% of the company, while other investors and employees control 49%, and the remaining 2% is owned by the nonprofit parent company OpenAI.

Sam Altman is a highly influential figure in the field of AI.

In addition, Sequoia Capital also contacted Altman and president Greg Brockman to find out what the two former OpenAI leaders wanted, whether it was to return to the company or start a new startup.

Meanwhile, a source told Reuters on November 18 that a number of employees were considering quitting if Sam Altman did not return to the company's executive position.

Last weekend, OpenAI unexpectedly announced that it had fired Sam Altman and replaced him with interim CTO Mira Murati. OpenAI, after releasing ChatGPT, is currently the hottest startup on the planet, and is also the “flag” that opened the wave of investment in the generative AI market. Last month, the company was said to be negotiating an $86 billion employee stock sale.

The news of ChatGPT’s “father” being fired has taken the global technology world by surprise. Analysts said the move to change OpenAI’s senior leadership could negatively impact the company’s plan to sell employee shares at a valuation of $86 billion.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that after being fired, Altman had a conversation with OpenAI executives about improving the company's governance structure, as well as discussing with some experts and close people about the possibility of establishing a new AI company.

The Information previously reported that Sam Altman is working with former Apple design chief Jony Ive on building an AI hardware device. Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son is also reportedly involved in the discussions.

Sam Altman unexpectedly resigns as CEO of OpenAI

On November 17, the board of directors of OpenAI – the startup behind ChatGPT – announced that Sam Altman would step down as CEO and be replaced by CTO Mira Murati.

Tech world shocked by Sam Altman's firing

Former CEO Sam Altman has left OpenAI – the startup behind ChatGPT. This news shocked those working in the field of artificial intelligence in particular and technology in general.