In February 2025, Elon Musk proposed a 97 billion USD offer to acquire OpenAI, the company he co-founded with Sam Altman. This offer was intended to prevent OpenAI from transforming from a non-profit organization into a commercial entity. Musk set an ultimatum and expressed his willingness to withdraw this offer if OpenAI abandoned its plans to restructure toward a for-profit model.
Background to the OpenAI Acquisition Offer
OpenAI, founded in 2015 by Musk and Altman, had the initial mission of developing artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity. However, disagreements arose when the company considered becoming a commercial entity to raise additional funds. Musk, disagreeing with this direction, left OpenAI in 2018 and has since founded xAI, a competing AI company.
Reactions and Implications
Sam Altman rejected Musk’s offer, stating that OpenAI was not for sale. He also criticized Musk’s motives, suggesting that the move was aimed at slowing down a competitor.
In response, Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Altman, claiming that transforming the company into a commercial entity ran counter to its founding mission. OpenAI refuted these allegations, noting that Musk had initially supported creating a for-profit structure for the company.
The Financial Proposal and Its Fallout
Elon Musk’s proposal of 97 billion USD is unprecedented in the emerging technology sector. This immense sum is not only an unprecedented investment of money, but also a unique strategic move in the emerging technology sector. By investing in OpenAI, Musk aims to directly influence the organization’s future direction.
This move is seen as a way to keep OpenAI committed to its original goal of creating technologies accessible to all, rather than focusing solely on increasing profits. This suggestion highlights the tension between OpenAI’s original philanthropic goals and the economic necessities that demand profitability.
Legal Developments
The trial between Musk and OpenAI is scheduled for spring 2026. This dispute could have significant repercussions for the future of OpenAI and the competitive landscape of artificial intelligence.
Elon Musk’s ultimatum to Sam Altman reflects the growing tensions in the artificial intelligence sector, where issues of governance, funding, and mission are at the heart of the debate. The outcomes of this conflict could influence OpenAI’s future direction and redefine competitive dynamics in the AI field.
