OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has dismissed Elon Musk’s $97.4 billion bid for the company, saying it is “not for sale” and accusing Musk of trying to slow OpenAI’s progress.
Speaking at the AI summit in Paris, Altman told the media Musk is using legal tactics to hinder competition rather than focusing on building a better product.
Musk, who runs AI startup xAI, has long criticised OpenAI for moving away from its non-profit roots and has sued the company, alleging it prioritises profits over its original mission.
OpenAI’s board will ultimately decide how seriously to take the bid, but Altman insists selling is not an option.
The board, now led by Bret Taylor, former Twitter chairman, controls OpenAI’s non-profit arm, which oversees its for-profit operations.
Taylor has a complicated history with Musk, having clashed with him over Twitter’s sale in 2022. Meanwhile, OpenAI continues to explore future growth strategies.