Musk's OpenAI Vision: Control, Tesla Merger, & 90% Equity

Sam Altman's testimony in the lawsuit against OpenAI reveals how Elon Musk might have run the company. Altman described Musk as "mercurial" and said he felt Musk "had abandoned us." What's interesting is that Musk, a co-founder, is suing OpenAI to return to its original nonprofit structure. However, Altman testified that Musk repeatedly sought control of the organization. In 2017, Musk allegedly proposed merging OpenAI with Tesla, a for-profit company. Altman also claimed Musk initially asked for 90 percent equity in OpenAI. Altman recounted a moment when co-founders asked Musk what would happen to OpenAI if he were in control and then died. Musk allegedly responded that control should pass to his children. The bottom line is this testimony sheds light on the differing visions for OpenAI's future and control.