OpenAI plans restructuring to be a for-profit company

Altman to receive shares and non-profit OpenAI would continue

Although there are still no details about when this change in structure could happen, one thing that is known is that the executive director, Sam Altman would receive a package of 7% of the company’s shares for the first time.

On the other hand, the non-profit organization will continue to exist within OpenAI, but will have a minority stake in the company, although it will continue to monitor the implications regarding how the risks of AI products are managed in the new structure.

“We remain focused on creating AI that benefits everyone and are working with our board to ensure we are in the best position to succeed. “The non-profit organization is fundamental to our mission and will continue to exist,” said a company spokesperson.

The plans and details of the transition are still being decided, sources confirmed to Reuters and Bloomberg, so a schedule has not been determined; However, this news comes at a complex time, as it coincides with the departure of the CTO, Mira Murati, as well as two research executives.

What does it mean for ChatGPT that OpenAI is a for-profit organization?

Although this is a transformative move for OpenAI, the reality is that in the AI ​​sector there are different companies that operate under the structure of a for-profit company, such as Anthropic or xAI.

This type of legal framework is important, because in addition to generating great profits for shareholders, it also represents compliance with rigorous social and environmental performance standards.

Regarding product development, OpenAI would have access to additional capital, beyond its revenue from subscription plans, something that would allow it to address the high operating costs of its tools, such as ChatGPT.

According to data collected by The Information last year, the operation of the popular chatbot represented a cost close to $700,000 per day, a figure that may have already increased after collaboration agreements with companies such as Apple and media conglomerates.