Microsoft's role remains same as it was on Thursday. Minor (49%?) shareholder and keeps access to models and IP
IMO Kevin tweeting that MS will hire and match comp of all OpenAI employees was amazing negotiation tactic because that meant employees could sign the petition without worrying about their jobs/visas
I was thinking about this a lot as well, but what did that mean for employee stock in the commercial entity? I heard they were up for a liquid cash-out in the next funding round.
OpenAI is an airgapped test lab for Microsoft. They dont want critical exposure to the downside risk of AI research, just the benefits in terms of IP. Sam and Greg probably offer enough stability for them to continue this way.
It makes sense to airgap Generative AI while courts ponder wether copyright fair use applies or not. Research is clearly allowed fair use, and let OpenAI experiment with commercialization until it is all clear waters.
IMO Kevin tweeting that MS will hire and match comp of all OpenAI employees was amazing negotiation tactic because that meant employees could sign the petition without worrying about their jobs/visas