In recent discussions about OpenAI’s quest for additional funding, the spotlight was initially on Thrive Capital and Microsoft as potential investors. However, The Wall Street Journal now reveals that Apple and Nvidia might also step into the ring, with investment amounts potentially reaching several billion dollars.
Microsoft has been a significant supporter of OpenAI, having invested approximately $13 billion since 2019. This substantial stake grants Microsoft a 49% share of the startup’s profits. Meanwhile, Nvidia and Apple, both key partners of OpenAI, are rumored to be considering joining the investment round. Nvidia provides the crucial computational power needed to run OpenAI’s advanced language models, while Apple is keen on expanding its AI capabilities within its ecosystem, starting with ChatGPT and potentially developing its own AI technologies in the future.
Apple’s potential investment in OpenAI would mark a notable departure from its usual investment strategy, as the company rarely invests directly in startups. Historically, Apple’s investment moves have included a $1 billion stake in SoftBank’s Vision Fund in 2017 and a similar amount in the Chinese ride-hailing startup Didi in 2016, although the latter aimed to accelerate Apple’s ambitions in autonomous taxis—a project that has since been shelved.
According to Bloomberg, OpenAI’s CFO, Sarah Friar, recently informed employees via email about the company’s ongoing search for new sources of capital. This funding drive, which has been underway since December, aims to bolster OpenAI’s computing capabilities and cover various operational costs.
As OpenAI continues to attract interest from major tech players, the scale of potential investments underscores the growing significance and financial backing of artificial intelligence advancements.