OpenAI Drama’s First Season Ends but Second Season Is Possible

The OpenAI soap opera’s first season is over. And just in time for all involved—even reporters—to take a break for Thanksgiving. Their moods may vary. While many people, including executives, employees and investors in OpenAI, are surely thrilled the boardroom drama got resolved with Sam Altman’s reinstatement as CEO, doubtless a few aren’t so happy. Those would include Altman’s critics at OpenAI as well as the startup’s rivals, who you can imagine have been rubbing their hands with glee in recent days. But hey, all good things come to an end, eventually.

Still, those who enjoyed the drama should remember that a lot remains unresolved. OpenAI’s unconventional corporate structure, which resulted in the company’s board having no investor representation, hasn’t changed, we reported. Also unresolved is the tension between speedily developing OpenAI’s business while trying to adhere to the organization’s mission of doing so safely. That issue was, by many accounts, one that fueled the boardroom drama.