Elon Musk's Group Proposes Nearly $100 Billion Bid for OpenAI

In a significant development within the tech industry, a group of investors led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has reportedly submitted an offer valued at nearly $100 billion for OpenAI, the organization known for developing the popular AI model, ChatGPT. This bid comes amidst ongoing tensions between Musk and OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman.

The offer, which amounts to approximately $97.4 billion (around EUR94.4 billion), was presented to OpenAI's board of directors on February 10, 2025. According to a representative for Musk, the proposal aims to take control of OpenAI, which has transitioned into a for-profit entity.

In a light-hearted response to the offer, Sam Altman took to Musk's own social media platform, X, to express his disinterest, suggesting that while he would not accept the bid, he might consider purchasing Musk's platform for $9.74 billion. This remark highlights the complicated relationship between the two tech figures, who have been at odds for some time.

The conflict dates back to Musk's involvement as a co-founder of OpenAI, after which he distanced himself from the organization. Currently, Musk is engaged in legal battles concerning OpenAI's transformation into a profit-driven business model, which he opposes. Altman, on the other hand, has accused Musk of attempting to seize control of the organization.

Musk has since launched his own AI venture, xAI, which aims to compete with OpenAI in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. The latest bid for OpenAI reflects Musk's ongoing interest in the organization and its potential, as well as the increasing competition within the AI sector.

OpenAI has been in the process of restructuring and has established a for-profit subsidiary to attract investments from major companies, including Microsoft. Alongside Musk's xAI, several financial investors have reportedly joined forces to support this substantial bid for OpenAI, which has so far been primarily governed as a nonprofit entity.

The implications of this potential acquisition could be far-reaching, given OpenAI's influential role in the AI landscape, particularly following the surge in interest surrounding ChatGPT and similar technologies. The excitement over AI advancements has sparked diverse opinions, ranging from enthusiastic optimism about the future of technology to concerns about ethical implications and existential risks.

As this situation continues to develop, the tech community will be watching closely to see how these dynamics unfold and what they may mean for the future of artificial intelligence and its governance.