OpenAI, the owner of ChatGPT, is not expected to grant seats on its new board to Microsoft, Khosla Ventures and Thrive Capital, among other investors, according to a source who spoke with Reuters on Tuesday. Last week, OpenAI ousted its CEO and founder Sam Altman without explanation, causing concern among investors and employees, but he was later reinstated with the promise of a new board.
The future of the startup, which is at the forefront of the artificial intelligence industry, was thrown into confusion by Altman’s departure. Hedge fund Great Hill Capital’s chairman, Thomas Hayes, suggested that Microsoft, which has invested over $10 billion in OpenAI, may have a say on the matter. However, it remains to be seen whether OpenAI will leave Microsoft off the board, given the amount of money the tech giant has put behind the startup.
The Information reported that the new board will consist of nine members, with three initial directors expected to be confirmed shortly: Chair Bret Taylor, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo. D’Angelo will be the only holdover from the old board that fired Altman.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has previously stated that the governance of ChatGPT needs to change, regardless of where Altman ends up. A Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment on the OpenAI board at this time. OpenAI and Thrive did not respond to requests for comment, while Khosla declined to comment.