In November 2022 OpenAI release ChatGPT In the past few weeks, this high-profileArtificial Intelligence CompaniesThe executive team dedicated a meeting to discussing one question: should they release this tool?
Brad Lightcap, COO of OpenAI, told CNBC, “If you know Sam Altman, he likes to talk about multiple topics very quickly, so the fact that we spend so much time on one topic means it’s important.” He added,It’s a debate — people aren’t entirely sure it’s the right thing to do or something that’s worth our time.
At the time, Lightcap said, OpenAI had a limited number of GPUs and capacity and saw itself primarily as a company building tools for developers and businesses. He recalled,CEO Altman is a big proponent of “giving it a try,” arguing that text-based interactions with the model are meaningful and personal..
The move has been successful. ChatGPT has set a record as the fastest-growing consumer app in history, now with about 100 million weekly active users, and more than 92% of Fortune 500 companies using the platform, according to OpenAI. Earlier this year, Microsoft invested an additional $10 billion in the company, making it the largest AI company of the year.maximumof AI investments, and according to PitchBook, OpenAI is currently negotiating a deal that could result in an $86 billion valuation.
But lately, those milestones have been overshadowed by the roller-coaster ride the company has been on over the past few weeks. Last month, OpenAI’s board ousted Altman,That prompted resignations — or threats of resignations — including an open letter signed by nearly all OpenAI employees and outrage from investors, including Microsoft.Within a week, Altman was back at the company. Last Wednesday,OpenAI announces new board of directors, including former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and Quora CEO Adam D'Angelo. Microsoft received a non-voting board observer position.
CNBC reported last month on OpenAIfirstI spoke with Lightcap after the in-person event Dev Day, and then spoke to him briefly again after the leadership changes last week.
In the process of pursuing corporate users, OpenAI executives cautioned against expecting artificial intelligence technology to quickly transform their business.Brad Lightcap, COO of OpenAI, said in an interview with CNBC:One of the most overhyped aspects of AI is its ability to substantially change business “in one fell swoop”.
Lightcap noted that some companies expect generative AI to solve many problems, slash costs, and bring back growth in times of trouble. He said,While AI may improve things, “no single AI will ever fully solve these problems”, and the technology is still in its infancy. He added,AI is still in the experimental stage and has not yet become part of key tools and applications.
OpenAI has launched its popular ChatGPT Platform Enterprise Edition, promising better safeguards for companies looking to protect proprietary and sensitive data, as well as more options for fine-tuning models. Lightcap said it is still processing a long waiting list for ChatGPT Enterprise Edition.
Consumers and businesses saw the potential of generative AI after tech evangelists hailed the technology as a way to simplify work. Concerns around accidental data leaks have prompted developers such as OpenAI, Microsoft and Amazon to launch generative AI models for businesses.
Some employees at early AI adopters complain that AI models arefirstIteration hasn’t really simplified their lives. A new report from The Information points to some discontent within Morgan Stanley.The chatbot the bank built in partnership with OpenAI is not used by its wealth managers because people prefer to call for information..
In the news industry, some publishers have tried using AI to generate news stories or guides in order to produce more content with less money, but some companies have slowed their plans after a few episodes involving insensitive, inane or inaccurate articles. Not to mention the backlash against organizations that pass off AI-written content as human.
Lightcap sidestepped questions about day-to-day work at OpenAI following a tumultuous few weeks for the company.