Sam Altman Responds to Elon Musk's OpenAI Bid

OpenAI CEO Responds to Elon Musk's Bid

During an appearance at the AI Action Summit in Paris on Tuesday, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, characterized Elon Musk’s unexpected $97.4 billion offer for the nonprofit OpenAI as a maneuver intended to hinder the company’s progress.

Altman stated, “[Musk] is demonstrably a competitor in the field.” He further explained that Musk has secured substantial funding for his AI venture, xAI, and that this company is actively striving to surpass OpenAI technologically.

Altman's Commentary on Musk

Altman also offered a personal observation, suggesting, “I believe [Musk’s] actions stem from underlying insecurities.” He added, “It doesn’t appear he finds contentment.”

The offer made by Musk regarding OpenAI’s nonprofit was swiftly rejected by Altman via a public statement on Monday. It now appears highly probable that OpenAI’s board will issue a formal rejection of the bid.

Board Member's Perspective

However, a formal response may not be immediate. Larry Summers, a member of OpenAI’s board, revealed in a Tuesday interview that he had not yet received any official notification concerning the bid, outside of what has been reported in the media.

Summers indicated he hadn’t encountered “any formal communication [regarding the bid] beyond media coverage.”

OpenAI continues to evaluate the situation, while Elon Musk’s xAI pursues its own advancements in artificial intelligence.