OpenAI is planning to restructure into a for-profit benefit corporation, moving away from non-profit control to attract more investors. The non-profit will retain a minority stake in the new entity, while CEO Sam Altman will receive equity for the first time, potentially valuing the company at $150 billion. This shift in governance could impact how OpenAI manages AI risks. The restructuring follows recent leadership changes, including the departure of CTO Mira Murati and the leave of president Greg Brockman. OpenAI gained prominence with its ChatGPT launch in late 2022, leading to a global surge in AI investment. The original structure aimed to ensure the safe development of artificial general intelligence (AGI), but recent developments have raised concerns within the AI safety community about governance accountability. The new corporate model may align OpenAI more closely with competitors like Anthropic and Elon Musk’s xAI. Specific details regarding Altman’s equity stake remain unclear, as he previously opted out of equity to maintain a disinterested board. The timeline for completing the restructuring is still uncertain.
