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A new deal reached with Microsoft could pave the way for OpenAI to become publicly traded in the future.Dado Ruvic/Reuters
Microsoft MSFT-Q said on Tuesday it has reached a deal with OpenAI to allow the ChatGPT maker to restructure itself into a public benefit corporation, following which Microsoft would hold a stake of about US$135-billion – or 27 per cent – in the AI startup.
Microsoft shares jumped 4 per cent on the deal, which could clear the way for OpenAI to become publicly traded in the future.
Microsoft also said that it has secured a deal with OpenAI where the ChatGPT maker will purchase US$250-billion of Azure cloud computing services. In exchange, Microsoft will no longer have a right of first refusal to provide computing services to OpenAI.
Microsoft’s earlier agreement with OpenAI gave it intellectual property rights to OpenAI’s products and models until 2030, or until OpenAI achieved artificial general intelligence.
