Negotiations between OpenAI and one of its largest partners, Microsoft, have entered a difficult phase. According to reports, significant changes have occurred in OpenAI’s corporate structure plans. While the company still intends to transform its commercial arm into a profit-driven public benefit corporation, governance will remain under the control of a nonprofit board.
Microsoft’s approval is required for these changes to proceed, as the tech giant has invested $13 billion into OpenAI so far. A major topic of discussion in the negotiations is the amount of equity Microsoft will hold in the new structure.
According to Financial Times, the negotiations are not limited to equity share but also involve broader updates to the existing contract. Microsoft is reportedly willing to give up some equity in exchange for access to OpenAI’s technologies developed after 2030.
Another factor complicating the talks is the growing competition between the two companies. OpenAI’s enterprise services are rapidly expanding, and the company is also developing its large-scale artificial intelligence infrastructure project called “Stargate,” broadening its independent technological capabilities.
This shift is seen as a sign of the transition from partnership to competition between the two tech giants in the industry.
