Reuters reported that on the 28th (local time), OpenAI said Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman will not hold equity in "OpenAI Group PBC," a public corporation newly created through a corporate restructuring.
PBC is a corporation that aims to pursue both profit and the public interest, and the nonprofit "OpenAI Foundation" will secure 26% equity in the corporation. The OpenAI Foundation will maintain control over PBC and will also have the authority to appoint board members.
Microsoft (MS), an early investor, will hold 27% equity in PBC, which corresponds to about $135 billion (about 193 trillion won). MS will also extend intellectual property rights related to OpenAI models and products through 2032.
OpenAI said the same day that it signed a new partnership agreement with MS that includes these terms.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing multiple sources, said the deal could lay the groundwork for an initial public offering (IPO) as early as 2027. However, the talks are in the early stages, and it is said that the listing could be delayed or fall through.
Altman acknowledged the possibility of an IPO but said a specific timeline has not been set.