Elon Musk says he'll drop $97B OpenAI purchase offer if ChatGPT maker stays a nonprofit
Feb 13, 2025
Once upon a time, two smart people named Elon Musk and Sam Altman started a special organization called OpenAI. This group made cool things like ChatGPT, which helps people talk and learn using computers.
One day, Elon Musk wanted to buy OpenAI for a big amount of money—97.4 billion dollars! But Sam Altman said, "No way! We are not for sale!" He thought Elon was just trying to slow them down because they are competitors. Sam wanted to keep OpenAI as a good place that helps everyone.
Years ago, when they started OpenAI, it was a charity. Elon left the group in 2018 because he couldn't have control over a part of it. Now, Sam wants to change OpenAI into a regular company to make more money. Elon, however, wants it to go back to being a charity and help people freely.
Elon said he would drop his big money offer if OpenAI didn't change into a regular company. Sam didn't seem worried. He said they are just going to keep working hard on making great things.
Sam thinks Elon is trying to distract them, but he is focused on building cool stuff instead of fighting. He said, "Let’s just keep our heads down and work!" Both men want to help everyone, but they want to do it in different ways.
Sam reminded everyone that OpenAI would still be important and would keep working for the good of all people, regardless of the money. They are trying to decide the best way to run OpenAI in the future.
And so, the story of Elon and Sam continues with their big dreams and ideas for technology! They both want to shape the future, but in their own special ways. And that's okay—they just need to keep talking and working together!