OpenAI and Microsoft Advance Partnership Amid Restructuring Efforts
As OpenAI restructures its nonprofit framework, the organization has made significant strides in its partnership with Microsoft, announcing a new phase of collaboration, reports 24brussels.
On September 11, 2025, Microsoft and OpenAI released a joint statement declaring they have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU), emphasizing their commitment to finalize a definitive agreement. This new arrangement signals a focus on enhancing AI tools while prioritizing safety in their applications.
With an investment of $13 billion in OpenAI since 2019, Microsoft not only shares in the profits generated from ChatGPT and its API but also recognizes OpenAI as a competitor. The tech giant is adjusting its strategies, leaning toward its own AI models while maintaining the option to utilize models from other providers.
During a company town hall, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and AI chief Mustafa Suleyman reinforced their strategy of investing significantly in in-house AI development. Suleyman stated, “We should have the capacity to build world-class frontier models in house of all sizes, but we should be very pragmatic and use other models where we need to.”
Additionally, OpenAI clarified that its nonprofit parent will retain oversight of its for-profit operations, maintaining an equity stake valued at over $100 billion. This aspect of the collaboration has raised concerns among other philanthropies and nonprofits about OpenAI’s unique restructuring plan.
As investigations by the attorneys general of California and Delaware commence, OpenAI expressed its commitment to working collaboratively with these officials. In their announcement, OpenAI stated, “We continue to work with the California and Delaware Attorneys General as an important part of strengthening our approach, and we remain committed to learning and acting with urgency to ensure our tools are helpful and safe for everyone, while advancing safety as an industry-wide priority.”
