Elon Musk tried to buy OpenAI, but the board shut him down

In what might be the latest episode in the tech world’s ongoing drama, OpenAI’s board has flat-out turned down billionaire Elon Musk’s jaw-dropping bid to acquire the company. The news broke on X (formerly known as Twitter) when OpenAI Chair Bret Taylor declared, “OpenAI is not for sale, and the board has unanimously rejected Mr. Musk’s latest attempt to disrupt his competition.”

Earlier this week, Musk, along with a coalition of backers, had sent shockwaves through the industry with an offer valued at an eye-popping $97.4 billion. Not one to miss a beat, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman quickly fired back on X with a bit of irreverent humor: “no thank you but we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want.” This playful exchange highlights not only the high stakes of the deal but also the fierce competition simmering beneath the surface of today’s tech landscape.

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Musk’s bid comes at a time when OpenAI is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting its focus as it navigates a move from its original nonprofit roots toward a for-profit model. Legal filings suggest that the deal was contingent on OpenAI maintaining its nonprofit status—a condition that, according to Musk’s lawyers, would see his offer withdrawn. Yet, Taylor was quick to shut down any possibility of such a compromise: “Any potential reorganization of OpenAI will strengthen our nonprofit and its mission to ensure AGI benefits all of humanity.”

In essence, the board’s decision isn’t just about fending off an acquisition—it’s a firm commitment to steer the company in a direction that prioritizes its long-term mission over short-term financial windfalls.

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While boardroom battles and billion-dollar bids make for riveting headlines, the tech community isn’t shy about tossing around its own, sometimes cheeky, opinions on the matter. One such offbeat take suggests that, instead of clashing with his competitors over OpenAI, Elon Musk might consider another heavyweight in the tech arena. In a tongue-in-cheek style, my suggestion goes:

If you’re going to stir up trouble, why not take on Facebook? Instead of buying a competitor and risking your reputation, just snap up Meta’s flagship platform. After all, it might be worth it—especially given the recent head-scratching policy changes over at Facebook.

For now, it seems that Elon Musk’s $97.4 billion offer has been decisively met with a “no thank you” from OpenAI’s leadership. With the board committed to navigating the company’s complex transition and upholding its mission to benefit all of humanity, the latest twist in the saga leaves many wondering what Musk’s next move might be.