OpenAI Faces Funding Challenge as Sam Altman Departs

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, addresses the audience at the OpenAI DevDay event held on November 6, 2023, in San Francisco, California. Featured on GETTY IMAGES.
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, addresses the audience at the OpenAI DevDay event held on November 6, 2023, in San Francisco, California. Courtesy: GETTY IMAGES.

Artificial intelligence, known for creating human-like images, has a public face in Sam Altman. Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, which introduced ChatGPT a year ago, was unexpectedly removed from his CEO role and directorship on Friday.

The board, now overseeing an $80 billion company, cited Altman’s failure to communicate consistently. The details leading to his removal are unclear.

The company assured staff it would be fine without him, but Altman’s departure leaves a gap in fundraising efforts. Keeping the software running and attracting talented engineers were tasks he excelled at.

Altman, 38, was seen at an AI conference in San Francisco just before his removal. He played a part in securing $10 billion from Microsoft and fueling a valuation increase from $29 billion to over $80 billion.

His influence also attracted AI talent from major tech companies. Altman, in a panel discussion, mentioned that heavy regulation for AI wasn’t needed immediately.

Despite concerns about AI taking over, Altman’s departure poses challenges for OpenAI’s future. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and apart from OpenAI, started a cryptocurrency firm this year.

Altman’s departure raises questions about OpenAI’s fundraising capabilities and talent retention.

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