Microsoft & OpenAI: MOU for the “next phase” — what’s changing?
Microsoft and OpenAI issued a joint statement announcing they have signed a non‑binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the “next phase” of their partnership. A definitive agreement is still being finalized, and many specifics remain undisclosed.
Key points
- MOU status: Non‑binding; parties are finalizing terms and have not released full details.
- AGI‑access clause: Reports say the new agreement may modify the clause that limits Microsoft’s access to OpenAI’s most powerful models if OpenAI’s board judges the company has reached AGI — but the MOU itself does not publicly confirm the exact change.
- Nonprofit equity stake: Coverage indicates OpenAI will give an equity stake worth at least ~$100 billion to its nonprofit overseer, enabling the nonprofit to retain control as OpenAI considers restructuring toward a public benefit corporation and a possible future IPO.
- Microsoft investment & profit share: Microsoft previously invested about $13 billion in OpenAI and is reported to be entitled to roughly 49% of OpenAI’s future profits under existing arrangements.
Why it matters
If true, these changes could reshape governance, oversight and commercial terms between one of the world’s largest cloud providers and a leading AI developer. Changes to the AGI‑access clause and the nonprofit’s equity stake affect who controls advanced capabilities and how future value is shared.
Sources
- Axios — reporting on the MOU and key details
- Microsoft blog — joint statement from Microsoft
- OpenAI — joint statement from OpenAI
What do you think this partnership update means for AI safety, competition, and regulation? Share your thoughts below.