In a move that has sent ripples through the tech world, Sebastien Bubeck, the vice president of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) research at Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), is joining OpenAI, the company behind the groundbreaking chatbot ChatGPT.
While the specifics of Bubeck’s new role at OpenAI remain undisclosed, a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the news, stating that Bubeck is leaving to “further his work toward developing AGI” (Artificial General Intelligence). The spokesperson also expressed Microsoft’s continued commitment to their relationship with OpenAI through Bubeck’s work.
This news follows a series of departures from OpenAI, including the exit of longtime chief technology officer Mira Murati in September. However, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has denied any connection between these departures and the company’s planned restructuring.
Bubeck’s move to OpenAI comes at a time when the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI is reportedly facing some strain. Recent reports suggest that OpenAI is striving for greater autonomy from Microsoft’s cloud services, with plans to lease data centers from Oracle Corp in Texas. This move further fuels speculation about the future of the Microsoft-OpenAI alliance.
Just this month, OpenAI secured a massive $6.6 billion in funding, one of the largest venture capital rounds in U.S. history. This deal values the San Francisco-based startup at a staggering $157 billion, with prominent investors like Thrive Capital, Microsoft, and Nvidia backing OpenAI’s potential to reshape the future.
Bubeck’s departure is significant considering his role in leading Microsoft’s GenAI research efforts. His move to OpenAI signals a potential shift in the landscape of AI development, with OpenAI seemingly positioning itself for even greater independence and innovation. As the dust settles, it will be interesting to see how the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI evolves and what impact Bubeck’s new role at OpenAI will have on the future of both companies.