Elon Musk's $97.4B Bid for OpenAI Rejected, Sparking AI Industry Debate
February 11, 2025
A group of investors led by Elon Musk has proposed a staggering $97.4 billion bid to acquire the nonprofit that controls OpenAI, escalating tensions between Musk and the AI organization he co-founded.
Altman further criticized Musk's approach, suggesting it reveals a misunderstanding of OpenAI's core goals and mission.
The unfolding situation is drawing significant attention from investors and analysts, who are closely monitoring its potential impact on the market and the broader AI landscape.
Industry analysts have noted that while OpenAI has emerged as one of the most commercially mature AI firms, there remains uncertainty about how its transition to a for-profit model will affect consumers.
In response to the offer, OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman firmly rejected it, stating simply, 'no thank you.'
As the case progresses towards trial, key developments are expected in 2025, particularly regarding regulatory inquiries into OpenAI's status.
Amid these developments, a non-binding declaration of shared regulatory principles is anticipated, although some experts caution against signing it due to concerns about insufficient references to AI risks.
The magnitude of Musk's offer has been widely reported by major news outlets, including Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal, emphasizing its potential implications for the tech industry.
This controversy highlights broader concerns regarding the influence of tech leaders on the development of powerful AI technologies, underscoring the need for responsible leadership in the industry.
OpenAI, recognized for its creation of ChatGPT, has established partnerships with major companies such as Microsoft, Apple, and Salesforce, further solidifying its position in the tech ecosystem.
ChatGPT, which utilizes advanced machine learning to generate human-like responses, is now widely adopted by leading tech firms including Apple, Google, and Microsoft.
Since its launch in late 2022, ChatGPT has significantly impacted the tech industry, attracting millions of users and setting new standards for AI interactions.
Summary based on 227 sources
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Sources

The New York Times • Feb 11, 2025
Behind Elon Musk’s Hostile Bid for Control of OpenAI
The Guardian • Feb 11, 2025
First Thing: Musk-led group bids $97.4bn for control of OpenAI
Forbes • Feb 12, 2025
How Elon Musk Tried To Jack Up The Price Of OpenAI's Nonprofit Overnight
Forbes • Feb 12, 2025
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