OpenAI’s Sora AI tool allows users to create AI-generated videos from text-based input.
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OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar wants to reassure investors that the highly valued artificial intelligence startup is still in a strong position and ready to close a big funding round, despite losing top talent this week.
In an email to OpenAI investors seen by CNBC, Friar announced the departure of Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati, who announced her departure on Wednesday. Later that day, Sam Altman said two top research executives, Bob McGrew and Barret Zoph, also left.
“I want to get the word out about Mira’s departure from OpenAI right away,” Friar wrote. “While leadership change is not easy, I want to make sure you have the full context.”
Friar added, “We are incredibly proud of everything he has helped build,” and said the San Francisco-based company still has a “talented leadership bench” to compete with.
OpenAI, which is powered by Microsoft and recently partnered with Apple in AI for iPhones, is in the midst of closing a $6.5 billion funding round, which should value the company at about $150 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter. Thrive Capital led the round, and plans to invest $1 billion, according to sources.
Friar said in an email that the funding round has been oversubscribed and will close next week. He said the team will host several calls with investors to introduce the group to key leaders from the product and research teams.
“Collectively, we remain laser-focused on bringing AI to everyone and building sustainable revenue models that deliver operational returns and value to our investors and employees,” Friar wrote. The company is “excited to have you as we enter the next chapter,” he wrote.
OpenAI declined to comment on the email.
Murati is leaving after 6½ years at the company. He briefly served as interim CEO last year after the board of directors abruptly fired Altman. When Altman quickly returned, Murati returned to the role of CTO.
Sarah Friar has been named OpenAI CFO
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The company has experienced the loss of a key executive. Co-founder John Schulman and chief safety officer Jan Leike left to join rival Anthropic. Co-founder Ilya Sutskever left to start another AI company, while the other founder, Greg Brockman, was on a leave of absence.
Friar said Mark Chen will be senior vice president of research, and leaders like Kevin Weil, who joins from Metaand Srinivas Narayanan as “the right person to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation.”
Friar used to be the CEO of Beside himand before that the CFO Blockused to be Square.
Also on Thursday, at an all-hands meeting, Altman denied any plans for him to receive a “giant equity stake” in the company, calling reports of the development “untrue,” according to people in attendance.
Altman and Friar both said in a meeting, conducted by video, that investors have raised concerns about Altman not having a stake in the company he co-founded almost nine years ago, said the person, who asked not to be named because of the gathering. for employees only.
