OpenAI Isn’t Expected to Offer Microsoft, Other Investors a Board Seat

OpenAI’s revamped board of directors doesn’t plan to include representatives from outside investors, according to a person familiar with the situation. It’s a sign that the board will prioritize safety practices ahead of investor returns.

The new board hasn’t been officially seated and things could change. But the person said Microsoft and other shareholders, such as Khosla Ventures, Thrive Capital and Sequoia Capital, aren’t expected to be offered a seat on OpenAI’s new nine-person board. The startup’s ouster of CEO Sam Altman on Nov. 17 blindsided these investors. Altman returned to the job six days ago following a series of dramatic maneuvers involving Microsoft and other allies, but as part of a compromise deal, he didn’t take his old board seat back.