OpenAI CEO Addresses Employee Equity Concerns

As a crypto investor with experience in the tech industry, I’m closely monitoring the developments at OpenAI and their handling of employee equity. The recent controversy surrounding the potential clawback of vested equity for departing employees raised some ethical concerns that needed clarification.


Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has addressed concerns regarding a disputed clause in exit agreements that affects the equity of departing employees. He assured the public that the vested equity of employees, including high-profile resignants like Jan Leike, a renowned AI ethics researcher, would remain unaffected.

As a crypto investor, I’d rephrase that as follows: I was taken aback when OpenAI disclosed the possibility of canceling vested stock options for employees upon their departure. This revelation sparked ethical concerns and questions about the underlying intent behind such a regulation. I, Altman, take full responsibility for this inclusion and consider it an unfortunate mistake that should have been avoided.

As a crypto investor, I can tell you that OpenAI has consistently maintained its stance on equity. They have never reclaimed vested equity from anyone, and they won’t do so without a separation agreement being signed or an unwillingness to comply with a non-disparagement agreement. Vested equity is final, plain and simple. There was no ambiguity in their previous statements regarding this matter.

— Sam Altman (@sama) May 18, 2024

In his own admission, Altman expressed feeling mortified over an unexpected situation that arose during his tenure at OpenAI, of which he previously lacked awareness and should have been made aware. Former employees were encouraged to reach out to him personally for any necessary clarifications regarding this unprecedented incident.

OpenAI is reassessing its priorities in light of growing concerns that not enough of its resources are being devoted to ensuring the safety of artificial intelligence. The corporation’s leadership has shuffled some teams around, but their top priority remains ensuring safety, while proceeding with care in enhancing AI capabilities.

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2024-05-19 15:01