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OpenAI Rejects Musk's $97.4 Billion Acquisition Offer
2025-02-14

The leadership of OpenAI has firmly stood its ground against a substantial takeover attempt by one of the world's most prominent tech moguls. On Friday, the board of directors unanimously declined an unsolicited bid from Elon Musk to acquire control of the company for a staggering $97.4 billion. This decision underscores the organization's commitment to its mission and principles.

Bret Taylor, the chair of OpenAI’s board, highlighted that this move was not unexpected, describing it as "Musk's latest attempt to disrupt his competition." The board emphasized that any future changes within OpenAI would be aimed at reinforcing its nonprofit status and ensuring that advanced artificial intelligence (AGI) serves the greater good. CEO Sam Altman echoed similar sentiments, reiterating that the company's dedication to benefiting humanity through AI is non-negotiable.

Musk's proposal came as no surprise given his history with OpenAI. He co-founded the organization alongside Altman but left in 2018 to pursue his own ventures in AI. Since then, the two have engaged in public debates over the direction of AI development. Musk's recent statement about his new venture, x.AI, suggests he believes his approach aligns more closely with the original vision of OpenAI. However, the current leadership remains steadfast in their commitment to maintaining independence and integrity.

Despite the tensions between Musk and OpenAI, the board's rejection of the offer sends a clear message: the company prioritizes its mission over financial incentives. By staying true to its founding principles, OpenAI demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical AI development, ensuring that technology serves the broader interests of society rather than individual gain. This stance reflects a positive and responsible approach to innovation, emphasizing the importance of transparency and public benefit in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

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