Musk trial reveals Microsoft execs doubted OpenAI value in 2017
musk v. altman trial exhibits show microsoft executives saw 'no value' in openai in 2017, warning that granting $300m in credits would result in a $150m loss.
Court filings from the Elon Musk v. Sam Altman trial reveal internal Microsoft skepticism regarding OpenAI in 2017. Emails introduced as evidence show that CEO Satya Nadella and other executives questioned OpenAI’s progress, with one leader noting Microsoft's internal research was 'more advanced.' Executives calculated that granting Sam Altman’s request for $300 million in Azure credits would result in a $150 million loss, with the AI team seeing 'no value in engaging.' Microsoft eventually invested $1 billion in 2019 after OpenAI shifted to a 'capped-profit' structure.