OpenAI

The creator of ChatGPT and GPT-4, OpenAI is the world's most influential AI lab and the primary driver of the global AI governance debate. Its hybrid nonprofit-for-profit structure and complex relationship with Microsoft define the commercial AI landscape.

OpenAI was founded in 2015 as a non-profit by Sam Altman, Elon Musk, Greg Brockman and others. It transitioned to a 'capped profit' model in 2019, enabling a $1bn investment from Microsoft. ChatGPT's November 2022 launch made it the fastest consumer product to 100 million users in history. In 2024, the company began converting to a for-profit public benefit corporation structure, reportedly at a $150bn+ valuation.