OpenAI to Reduce Microsoft’s Revenue Share Following Restructuring Shift

CFP

TMTPOST -- OpenAI has informed investors that it will reduce the share of revenue allocated to Microsoft, its key backer, as part of an evolving restructuring effort, The Information reported Tuesday.

The artificial intelligence firm has scaled back an ambitious restructuring plan, opting instead to keep control under its nonprofit parent. The move is expected to limit the influence of CEO Sam Altman, who had previously sought greater control over the organization.

According to financial projections shared with investors, OpenAI plans to cut the percentage of revenue shared with Microsoft by at least half before the end of the decade. Under the current agreement, OpenAI is committed to sharing 20% of its revenue with Microsoft through 2030.

However, internal documents cited by The Information suggest OpenAI is telling current and potential investors that it will lower that share to just 10% by 2030 for Microsoft and other commercial partners. Microsoft is reportedly seeking continued access to OpenAI’s technology beyond that timeline.

In January, Microsoft revised terms of its deal with OpenAI following the announcement of a joint venture with Oracle and SoftBank to develop up to $500 billion in AI data centers across the U.S.

Despite the changes, Microsoft has emphasized that its partnership with OpenAI remains intact, saying there are “revenue sharing agreements that flow both ways,” and that the core elements of their collaboration will continue through 2030.

“We continue to work closely with Microsoft, and look forward to finalizing the details of this recapitalization in the near future,” an OpenAI spokesperson told The Information.