After investing $13 billion in OpenAI in 2023, Microsoft and Apple are renouncing positions from the OpenAI board amid growing scrutiny from regulators.
Microsoft and Apple, industry leaders in technology, have reportedly declined to assume board positions at OpenAI, an artificial intelligence company, in response to the growing regulatory scrutiny.
Bloomberg reported on July 10, citing an anonymous individual who knows the situation, that Microsoft has dispatched a letter to the AI startup informing it of its decision to withdraw from the board.
The withdrawal occurred approximately one year following the Windows software manufacturer’s substantial $13 billion investment in OpenAI in April 2023.
Microsoft purportedly wrote in its memo to the startup, “We have observed substantial progress from the newly established board and are confident in the company’s trajectory over the past eight months.” The memo also stated:
“We no longer believe our limited role as an observer is necessary.”
In contrast to recent reports that Apple would also receive an observer role on OpenAI’s board as part of a landmark agreement disclosed in June, the company has reportedly stated that OpenAI will have no board observers after Microsoft’s departure.
“We appreciate Microsoft’s endorsement of the board and the company’s trajectory, and we anticipate continuing our prosperous partnership,” the AI board declared.