Summarizing that crazy OpenAI weekend

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman got fired then joined Microsoft...

Image credit: Bing Image Creator/DALL.E and Canva

It was a crazy weekend at OpenAI to say the least…

Here are some key points:

• In a whirlwind series of events, OpenAI faced upheaval as CEO Sam Altman was removed by the board on Friday, November 17th. Board members were evasive as to why such action was pursued.

• Amid intense discussions, Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman were recruited by Microsoft to lead an “advanced AI research team”. This was confirmed today by Satya Nadella.

• Those developments followed protests and resignations from numerous OpenAI members, with uncertainties arising over the company's leadership (the company has had three CEOs in the last few days!). Over 730 employees have signed a letter indicating their potential resignation.

• Microsoft's strategic recruitment of Altman and Brockman certainly reinforces its position in AI. Despite the chaos, both companies expressed commitment to their partnership, aiming to continue their innovation agendas.

• There have been ongoing efforts to reinstate Altman as CEO of OpenAI but negotiations have failed thus far.

Quite astonishing, isn't it? There's still a lot of uncertainty surrounding that story, so I might provide an update in the next few days.

November 22nd update: OpenAI confirmed Sam Altman is returning to the company as CEO after all. A new initial board of Bret Taylor (Chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D'Angelo will be formed.