Microsoft, which has invested billions in OpenAI, learned that OpenAI was ousting CEO Sam Altman just a minute before the news was shared with the world, according to a person familiar with the situation. Why it matters: Microsoft is ChatGPT maker OpenAI's closest partner and has deeply tied its fortunes to the AI startup, while OpenAI relies on Microsoft for funding as well as its cloud services.
Catch up quick: OpenAI announced Altman's forced departure in a press release during the business day on Friday, less than a day after he had represented the company at the APEC conference in San Francisco. CTO Mira Murati was named interim CEO. What they're saying: "We have a long-term agreement with OpenAI with full access to everything we need to deliver on our innovation agenda and an exciting product roadmap; and remain committed to our partnership, and to Mira and the team," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a blog post. Later Friday, Greg Brockman, OpenAI president and board chairman, announced he was quitting the firm.