OpenAI wants to cut Microsoft’s revenue share by half by 2030 — following Sam Altman’s botched for-profit restructure plan

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According to reports from The Information, it appears that OpenAI is considering reducing the revenue share it provides to Microsoft.

Following the announcement by the CEO of the ChatGPT creator, it appears they have changed course from their initial intention to transition into a profit-driven organization. Instead, they are opting for an alternative strategy where the non-profit sector remains in charge of the profit-making division.

Based on information from The Information, it appears that investors’ financial forecasts indicate a significant decrease – by at least half – in Microsoft’s portion of OpenAI’s earnings over the course of this decade.

It’s worth mentioning that Microsoft is the biggest backer of OpenAI, investing a substantial $13.5 billion in its operations. As per their ongoing, multi-billion dollar partnership, OpenAI gives 20% of its earnings to Microsoft. This arrangement is scheduled to continue until the year 2030.

This report indicates a possible decrease in Microsoft’s ownership stake in OpenAI’s business, from 20% to 10%, over the next ten years. Despite Microsoft aiming to utilize OpenAI’s technology beyond 2030, there are signs that the strong partnership between these tech giants – once considered a legendary friendship – is showing some strains.

OpenAI announcing its $500 billion Stargate project has set a significant tone, causing some apprehension among both investors and consumers. This initiative aims to support the development of data centers throughout the U.S., but it means that Microsoft no longer holds exclusive rights as OpenAI’s cloud provider, although Microsoft can still veto any decisions if needed.

In response to the Stargate project, Microsoft decided to modify some essential aspects of its contract with OpenAI, in order to secure their substantial financial commitment. Yet, they emphasize that significant parts of the original deal will continue until 2030.

While speaking to The Information, OpenAI echoed similar sentiments:

We’re still collaborating closely with Microsoft, and we eagerly anticipate solidifying the specifics of this refinancing soon.

In essence, it appears that Microsoft has chosen to step aside, at least for now, with its collaboration with OpenAI. Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO, had forecasted this possibility, and recent reports suggest that this prediction might be accurate. It’s been indicated that Microsoft is currently working on creating its own AI models internally.

A different source disclosed that Microsoft has decided not to provide extra training assistance for ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, leading them to reconsider two large data center agreements. Yet, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, implied that the company no longer requires significant computing power due to its ability to handle advanced AI developments on its own.

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2025-05-08 15:59