As OpenAI primes itself for artificial general intelligence (AGI), the company is looking at changing its relationship with Microsoft (MSFT, Financial), which provided $1 billion in financing for the company, by removing a clause that prevents Microsoft from accessing OpenAI's most advanced models after AGI is achieved. The Financial Times reports Microsoft will get kicked out of accessing Open AI's cutting-edge technology once AGI is achieved. OpenAI's key milestone is AGI, which is defined as a system that is smarter than human beings in the most economically valuable work.
With $6.6 billion in raised money earlier this year, making it currently worth $157 billion, OpenAI is looking to further investment, and removing this clause could help continue the journey to a commercial future. If OpenAI wants to keep its strong partnership with Microsoft, ongoing funding, and access to advanced AI models after AGI comes along, it will try to alter this agreement.
OpenAI's board has not yet decided to remove the clause but is still discussing it. This is part of a larger effort to overhaul OpenAI's corporate model, which could involve changing its non-profit board to a for-profit board. The outcome of these talks could determine how AGI development will play out in the future and how OpenAI and its investors, Microsoft, will interact in the following years.
