OpenAI Co-Founder Altman Plans New Venture
Sam Altman, the recently ousted CEO of OpenAI, has been telling investors that he is planning to launch a new venture, according to a person familiar with the matter. Former OpenAI president Greg Brockman is expected to join the effort and the project is still in development, the person said.
Altman was fired suddenly by the OpenAI board of directors on Friday. Shortly after, Brockman—who was removed as chairman of the board—resigned. Three OpenAI leaders have since quit and people close to the company expect several more exits in the coming days. Many of those employees could join a new venture with Altman and Brockman.
THE TAKEAWAY
• Altman, who was fired by OpenAI board Friday, already planning new venture
• Greg Brockman, who quit after Altman’s firing, expected to join Altman’s effort
• Employees who are leaving OpenAI could join Altman’s new venture
Altman had already been working on new projects, in addition to OpenAI. Altman had recently held discussion with Jony Ive, the renowned designer of the iPhone, about working together on a new AI hardware device, The Information previously reported. The pair had met with SoftBank CEO and investor Masayoshi Son about the potential venture. Whether the new venture involves Ive or Son could not be learned.