Website Home (ChinaZ.com) June 17 News: OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, recently disclosed to shareholders that the company is exploring changes to its governance structure, planning to transform OpenAI from a non-profit organization into a for-profit public benefit corporation. This change could potentially free OpenAI from the control of its current non-profit board, paving the way for its initial public offering (IPO).
Currently, OpenAI's valuation has reached $86 billion. The transition to a for-profit public benefit corporation would also allow CEO Sam Altman to hold company shares, a move that has been advocated by some investors. Insiders reveal that Altman's proposal mentions becoming a for-profit public benefit corporation similar to Anthropic and xAI.
This transformation could not only bring OpenAI a more flexible operational model and source of funds but also increase its appeal to investors, providing more resources and opportunities for its future growth and development. At the same time, it means that OpenAI will focus more on commercial interests and shareholder returns while maintaining its public benefit objectives.
However, such a transformation could also spark controversy, particularly regarding how to balance commercial interests with the mission of open AI research and development that was emphasized at its founding. OpenAI's potential change will be closely watched by the industry and the public.