In a dramatic twist in the world of artificial intelligence, Elon Musk reportedly made a $97 billion bid to acquire OpenAI, but his offer was flatly rejected by CEO Sam Altman, who mocked Musk by suggesting that OpenAI could buy X (formerly Twitter) for $9 billion instead. The exchange has intensified the longstanding rivalry between the two tech moguls.
Musk’s Ambitious Bid for OpenAI
According to insider reports, Musk, who was a co-founder of OpenAI but left the company in 2018, made a serious attempt to regain control by offering a staggering $97 billion to purchase the company. OpenAI, valued at over $100 billion, has become a leader in AI research and chatbot technology, with products like ChatGPT and GPT-4 revolutionizing the industry.
However, Sam Altman, who returned to OpenAI as CEO after a brief ousting in late 2023, quickly dismissed Musk’s offer. Instead of engaging in negotiations, he reportedly joked that OpenAI could purchase X Corp (formerly Twitter) for just $9 billion, a clear jab at Musk’s handling of the social media platform.
Rivalry Between Musk and OpenAI Intensifies
The conflict between Elon Musk and OpenAI dates back several years. Musk, who initially funded the company as a nonprofit, later distanced himself due to disagreements over its direction, leadership, and commercialization.
Since then, Musk has openly criticized OpenAI, accusing the organization of shifting away from its original mission and becoming too profit-driven. His dissatisfaction led to the launch of xAI, Musk’s own AI venture aimed at competing with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Why Did Sam Altman Reject Musk’s Offer?
Industry experts suggest that Altman sees OpenAI’s independence as crucial for its future. A takeover by Musk, known for his unpredictable management style, could introduce instability and potential conflicts in AI development. OpenAI’s investors, including Microsoft, have a vested interest in keeping the company autonomous, making Musk’s buyout unlikely to succeed.
Altman’s mockery of Musk’s X platform also reflects growing skepticism about the social media company’s declining value. Since Musk acquired Twitter (now X) for $44 billion in 2022, the platform has struggled with advertiser exits, declining revenue, and controversial policy changes. Experts estimate X’s current market value to be significantly lower, aligning with Altman’s sarcastic $9 billion offer.
What’s Next for Musk and OpenAI?
With his offer rejected, Musk is expected to double down on xAI, focusing on AI advancements that rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT. His Grok chatbot, which is integrated with X, is still in early stages but aims to challenge OpenAI’s dominance.
Meanwhile, OpenAI continues to expand its partnerships and technological advancements, with Altman confident in its long-term market leadership. The public exchange between the two CEOs has not only entertained tech enthusiasts but also reinforced the competitive tension in the AI sector.
Social Media Reactions and Industry Insights
The internet quickly reacted to the verbal sparring between Musk and Altman, with memes and discussions flooding social platforms. While some support Musk’s vision for open-source AI, others believe Altman’s rejection was a necessary move to protect OpenAI’s independence.
This latest chapter in the AI wars between Elon Musk and OpenAI suggests that the race for AI dominance is far from over.
