The company founded by Sam Altman plans to modify its contractual commitments with its main economic partners, in a context of legal and regulatory discussions.
OPENAI has decided to maintain governance dominated by its non -profit branch, in fact limiting the direct influence of Microsoft, its main trading partner and investor.
Governance maintained under associative control
OPENAI had initiated a transformation of its commercial entity to a status of public Benefit Corporation (PBC), but chose to maintain global control of its activities within its non -profit mother organization. This orientation was communicated internally and confirmed to Bloomberg. It intervenes after exchanges with the California and Delaware general prosecutors, competent authorities to supervise the conversion. A market value assessment of the participation of the mother organization in the commercial entity is also planned.
In a letter addressed to employees, Sam Altman said that this change of approach is the fruit of consultations with public representatives and is accompanied by the appointment of new commissioners within the Council. Openai said he continued the necessary discussions to finalize the plan.
Reduction of the share of income paid to Microsoft
OPENAI plans to halve the share of income paid to its business partners, including Microsoft, by 2030, from 20% to 10%, according to internal documents cited by The Information and relayed by Reuters. This development is part of the contract which links the two entities until this date.
The agreement in force also provides exclusive access from Microsoft to OPENAI API via Azure, as well as the integration of AI technologies into its products. Microsoft said that income sharing agreements work in both directions, without commenting on advanced figures.
Current discussions between the two entities
Microsoft, the main financial partner of OpenAI with an investment of $ 13.75 billion, has not yet validated the new organization. The company wishes to ensure that its rights and investments are preserved. According to several sources close to the file, discussions relate in particular to the terms of the contract, intellectual property rights and access to technological assets.
Still according to Bloomberg, only Microsoft actively negotiates with Openai at this stage. The SoftBank group has confirmed its intention to engage up to $ 30 billion in an in progress fundraising, subject to governance conditions.
In addition, Elon Musk still legally challenges the transformation of Openai to a business model. Part of his complaint has been rejected, but other elements of his appeal are still under study by justice.
