OpenAI is facing an uncertain future as over 700 of its roughly 770 workers signed a letter insisting the board resign and reinstate ousted leader Sam Altman, or they may leave for Microsoft.
Major investors spent the weekend unsuccessfully trying to rehire Altman and former president Greg Brockman after interim CEO Mira Murati was overlooked for the top role.
Microsoft, OpenAI's largest backer, then hired Altman and Brockman for its own AI unit.
However, Microsoft indicated it would accept their return to OpenAI if the current directors resign and governance changes prevent repeats of Altman's sudden ejection.
Key investors like Thrive Capital still plan a US$86 billion share purchase to lure back Altman.
But without him, researchers may exit and funds dry up.
The board shockingly removed Altman last week amid debates over commercialisation and developing AI safely.
Teckwai Saw
