ChatGPT-maker OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman breaks silence on relationship with Microsoft: "In any deep partnership there are ..."
CEO
Sam Altman
dismissed recent reports of deteriorating relations with
Microsoft
, describing their multibillion-dollar partnership as beneficial for both companies despite ongoing negotiations over the AI startup's corporate restructuring.
"Do you believe that, when you read those things?" Altman said when questioned about media reports suggesting tensions between the companies, according to the New York Times. He revealed having a "super nice call" with Microsoft CEO
Satya Nadella
on Monday, where they discussed their collaborative future.
Altman's comments come amid reports that OpenAI executives have considered accusing Microsoft of anticompetitive behavior during their partnership negotiations, according to the Wall Street Journal. The potential nuclear option could involve seeking federal regulatory review of their contract terms for antitrust violations.
OpenAI's corporate restructuring deadline raises stakes for both the companies
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OpenAI faces mounting pressure to convert from its nonprofit origins to a for-profit structure by year-end, risking $20 billion in funding if unsuccessful. Microsoft's approval is crucial for this conversion, with the software giant potentially receiving a stake ranging from 20 to 49 percent in the restructured company, the Financial Times reported.
"Obviously in any deep partnership, there are points of tension and we certainly have those," Altman acknowledged to the Times. "But on the whole, it's been like really wonderfully good for both companies."
The partnership has become increasingly complex as both companies now compete directly in AI products and services. Microsoft currently receives 20 percent of OpenAI's revenues up to $92 billion and maintains exclusive rights to sell OpenAI's technology through its Azure cloud platform.
Altman and co.'s WindSurf acquisition becomes latest flashpoint in partnership negotiations
Central to current tensions is OpenAI's $3 billion acquisition of coding startup Windsurf, with the AI company wanting to exempt the purchase from Microsoft's access to its intellectual property, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Microsoft has reportedly prepared contingency plans, including potentially walking away from negotiations while relying on its existing contract through 2030, the Financial Times noted.
The partnership strain reflects broader competitive dynamics as both companies increasingly vie for the same enterprise customers. Microsoft has begun diversifying beyond OpenAI models, recently adding
Mark Zuckerberg
's Llama 3 and
Elon Musk
's xAI Grok to its cloud services, while developing internal alternatives under AI chief
Mustafa Suleyman
.
Despite Altman's reassuring tone, the relationship that once symbolized successful tech collaboration now faces its most challenging test, with billions in funding and market positioning hanging in the balance.
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