Elon Musk's Bold OpenAI Acquisition Attempt Shakes Up AI Sector

This month, reports from prominent news outlets including BBC, Sky News, and Silicon Republic revealed Elon Musk's significant $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI. Confirmed by Musk's legal team, this move has quickly escalated the ongoing rift between Musk and the AI powerhouse.

A Bid With a History

Elon Musk's legal confrontations with OpenAI can be traced back to when he vocalized concerns for the company's shift away from its non-profit origins. The legal disputes have continued into the present, alongside Musk's skepticism towards OpenAI's grand-scale initiatives, such as their collaboration on the 'Stargate' AI infrastructure project.

The OpenAI Board's Dilemma

OpenAI's board faces a challenging decision. Although their CEO swiftly dismissed Musk's offer, they must weigh the seriousness of any acquisition proposal. Musk's contentious history with such deals, including his acquisition of Twitter, adds complexity to the scenario.

What Comes Next?

The discussion about OpenAI's future is bound to heat up as the organization pursues large-scale projects and expansion of AI capabilities. With Sam Altman's firm refusal to sell, the future remains tense in the world of AI competition.

References

• Jenny Darmondy (2025, 11-Feb). 'Elon Musk-led group makes $97bn bid for OpenAI.' Silicon Republic. Available online. Accessed 11 February 2025.
• Michael Race (2025, 10-Feb). 'ChatGPT boss says no thanks to Elon Musk-led $97bn bid.' BBC News. Available online. Accessed 11 February 2025.
• Sky News (2025, 11-Feb). 'Elon Musk launches $97bn bid to buy ChatGPT-maker OpenAI.' Available online. Accessed 11 February 2025.