LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman leaves OpenAI’s board to avoid conflict of interest

Hoffman, who has invested in and advised the startup since its 2015 founding, said his venture capital firm Greylock is funding companies such as presentation generator Tome, which are paying for tools from OpenAI, the creator of chatbot sensation ChatGPT. Hoffman also co-founded Inflection AI, one of the highest-profile startups working on technology similar to OpenAI’s.

“With all the possibilities ahead, it’s important to think beyond any one application, company, industry when it comes to AI, because I believe its impact will be on a much greater magnitude,” he said. “It’s with that in mind, that I’ve decided to step back from the OpenAI board. I made this decision after months of conversations with Sam [Altman], Greylock colleagues, and friends. “

“By stepping off the board, I can proactively put to rest any downstream potential issues for both OpenAI and all Greylock portfolio companies I’ve backed,” he said, noting OpenAI has avoided conflicts to date.

Hoffman’s departure underscores competition among an increasing number companies aiming to reshape content production as well as entire industries through AI.

Also read | Elon Musk hiring AI researchers to develop OpenAI rival: report

Discover the stories of your interest

At the same time, Hoffman said he remained OpenAI’s “ally” and wanted to work toward “elevating humanity” through technology including cross-industry partnerships if desired.”Zooming out, I believe that AI has a major role in benefiting humankind. As an investor, but also as a humanist, I want my participation in anything AI to support that goal of elevating humanity. As much as I can help, I want OpenAI, Inflection, and many more companies to have a clear path to build with each other, if they so choose, to the benefit of all of us,” he added.

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s chief executive, said in a Twitter post responding to Hoffman that he looks forward “to much more collaboration in the future!”

Hoffman remains on the board of Microsoft Corp, itself a major partner to and investor in OpenAI.