Catenaa, Thursday, May 15, 2025-OpenAI is renegotiating its multibillion-dollar partnership with Microsoft to pave the way for a corporate restructuring and potential IPO, according to multiple people familiar with the talks. The move aims to shift OpenAI further from its non-profit roots and enable equity offerings while preserving Microsoft’s access to advanced AI models.
Microsoft, which has invested more than $13 billion in OpenAI, is reportedly seeking long-term access to future technologies in exchange for easing its equity stake. The agreement is crucial for OpenAI’s transition into a public benefit corporation, a structure similar to those adopted by rivals Anthropic and Elon Musk’s xAI.
Although the companies remain collaborators-with Microsoft embedding OpenAI’s models into its products and providing vast computing resources-frictions have intensified as OpenAI explores new partnerships and infrastructure plans.
Sources said OpenAI is seeking independence to scale, while Microsoft is cautious about losing control over cutting-edge developments.
OpenAI has assured investors of a pathway to equity and a possible future IPO, with recent funding rounds totaling over $46 billion. Contracts linked to these investments depend on OpenAI’s successful conversion into a public benefit corporation.
Despite internal and external criticism, including a legal challenge by Musk, OpenAI executives are confident in gaining regulatory and investor approval.
However, state authorities in California and Delaware are now reviewing the plan to ensure compliance with OpenAI’s original charitable mission.
The outcome will shape OpenAI’s future and its ability to raise capital, compete with Big Tech, and retain credibility as a mission-driven AI pioneer.
