The firing of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has sparked turmoil within the company, with the majority of its employees threatening a walkout unless the decision is reversed. Executives from Microsoft and Salesforce, including CTO Kevin Scott and CEO Marc Benioff, have offered to match compensation for departing OpenAI employees. The potential employee walkout comes amid intense discussions between OpenAI's board, new CEO Emmett Shear, and stakeholders. The uncertainty surrounding OpenAI's future raises questions about the impact on the company's trajectory and the potential scenarios that may unfold.


The firing of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has led to significant turmoil within the company, as the majority of its employees threaten to walk out unless the decision is reversed. Executives from Microsoft and Salesforce, including CTO Kevin Scott and CEO Marc Benioff, have extended offers to match compensation for OpenAI employees considering leaving. The potential walkout comes at a crucial time for OpenAI, which has seen its valuation soar to $86 billion following the success of its ChatGPT product.


The outpouring of support from external executives raises questions about its impact on OpenAI's future. The potential scenarios include a hostile takeover scenario, with a larger firm hiring all available OpenAI employees, or the company retaining its core development team through successful discussions with employees and stakeholders. Microsoft's hiring of Altman to lead a new AI division within the company adds complexity to the situation, as it may affect his willingness to return to OpenAI.


As discussions between OpenAI's board, new CEO Emmett Shear, and stakeholders intensify, the uncertainty surrounding the company's future remains. The potential walkout and the involvement of external executives underscore the significance of the recent developments and their potential repercussions for OpenAI's trajectory in the AI sector.


(TRISTAN GREENE, COINTELEGRAPH, 2023)