https://www.perplexity.ai/page/musk-led-group-bids-for-openai-zynPv61VQ02KaouDcgXbYg

In a stunning move, a consortium led by tech mogul Elon Musk has put forward a staggering $97.4 billion offer to acquire control of the nonprofit entity overseeing OpenAI[1][2]. This bold bid comes amidst an ongoing legal dispute between Musk and the AI company he co-founded, with the billionaire accusing OpenAI of straying from its original mission of benefiting humanity to pursue profits[3]. The offer, if successful, could potentially reshape the landscape of artificial intelligence development and reignite Musk’s involvement with the creator of ChatGPT.

Sources
[1] Elon Musk-led group makes $97.4 billion bid for control of OpenAI, WSJ reports -February 10, 2025 at 03:47 pm EST https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/MICROSOFT-CORPORATION-4835/news/Elon-Musk-led-group-makes-97-4-billion-bid-for-control-of-OpenAI-WSJ-reports-49011980/
[2] Elon Musk-led group makes $97.4 billion bid for control of OpenAI, WSJ reports https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/elon-musk-led-group-makes-974-billion-bid-control-openai-wsj-reports-4929386
[3] Elon Musk takes OpenAI to court, says making money for Microsoft: ChatGPT maker responds https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gadgets-news/elon-musk-takes-openai-to-court-says-making-money-for-microsoft-chatgpt-maker-responds/articleshow/108258379.cms

Elon Musk’s relationship with OpenAI has been complex and tumultuous since its inception in 2015. Initially a co-founder and early supporter, Musk left OpenAI’s board in 2018 citing potential conflicts of interest with Tesla’s AI development[1]. The rift between Musk and OpenAI widened as the company transitioned to a “capped-profit” model in 2019, a move that Musk later claimed violated the organization’s founding principles[2].

In response to OpenAI’s evolving direction, Musk launched his own AI venture, xAI, in 2023. This company reportedly reached a $50 billion valuation in just 16 months, showcasing Musk’s continued interest and influence in the AI sector[3]. The rapid success of xAI and Musk’s ongoing criticisms of OpenAI’s practices have set the stage for the current power struggle, culminating in the recent $97.4 billion bid for control of his former brainchild[4].

Sources
[1] OpenAI pushes back on Elon Musk lawsuit, says he suggested merger with Tesla https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/openai-pushes-back-musk-lawsuit-says-he-suggested-merger-tesla
[2] Elon Musk takes OpenAI to court, says making money for Microsoft: ChatGPT maker responds https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gadgets-news/elon-musk-takes-openai-to-court-says-making-money-for-microsoft-chatgpt-maker-responds/articleshow/108258379.cms
[3] In Just 16 Months, Elon Musk Achieved With xAI What Took OpenAI Nearly Nine Years To Accomplish https://finance.yahoo.com/news/just-16-months-elon-musk-183049679.html
[4] Elon Musk-led group makes $97.4 billion bid for control of OpenAI, WSJ reports -February 10, 2025 at 03:47 pm EST https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/MICROSOFT-CORPORATION-4835/news/Elon-Musk-led-group-makes-97-4-billion-bid-for-control-of-OpenAI-WSJ-reports-49011980/

The legal clash intensified in August 2024 when Musk filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of abandoning its nonprofit mission in favor of profit-driven motives aligned with Microsoft’s interests[1][2]. OpenAI countered by revealing communications suggesting Musk initially supported its for-profit transition but withdrew after failing to secure majority control[3][4]. The company has since sought judicial dismissal of Musk’s request to block its conversion, arguing his claims are inconsistent with his past actions[5][6]. This dispute underscores the broader tensions over governance and ethical priorities in AI development.

Sources
[1] Elon Musk takes OpenAI to court, says making money for Microsoft: ChatGPT maker responds https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gadgets-news/elon-musk-takes-openai-to-court-says-making-money-for-microsoft-chatgpt-maker-responds/articleshow/108258379.cms
[2] Elon Musk Fights OpenAI’s Transition to For-Profit Model in Court – News and Statistics https://www.indexbox.io/blog/elon-musk-intensifies-legal-battle-against-openais-for-profit-transition/
[3] OpenAI fires back at Elon Musk bid to block for-profit conversion, Digital News https://www.asiaone.com/digital/openai-fires-back-elon-musk-bid-block-profit-conversion
[4] OpenAI releases emails showing Elon Musk asked for control of the company https://san.com/cc/openai-releases-emails-showing-elon-musk-asked-for-control-of-the-company/
[5] OpenAI Judge Rips Musk’s ‘Broad’ Bid To Block For-Profit https://www.law360.com/articles/2283983/openai-judge-rips-musk-s-broad-bid-to-block-for-profit
[6] OpenAI Strikes Back Against Musk’s Bid to Halt Profit Model https://wallstreetpit.com/121370-openai-strikes-back-against-musks-bid-to-halt-profit-model/