OpenAI, Jony Ive in talks to raise $1 billion from SoftBank for AI device venture, Financial Times reports
https://www.reuters.com/technology/openai-jony-ive-talks-raise-1-bln-softbank-ai-device-venture-ft-2023-09-28/
Sept 28 (Reuters) - ChatGPT maker OpenAI is in advanced talks with former Apple designer Jony Ive and SoftBank's (9984.T) Masayoshi Son to build the "iPhone of artificial intelligence", fuelled by more than $1 billion in funding from the Japanese conglomerate, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.
Sam Altman, OpenAI's chief, has tapped Ive’s company LoveFrom to develop the ChatGPT creator’s first consumer device, the report said.
Discussions are said to be “serious” but no deal has been agreed on, and it could be several months before a venture is formally announced, the report said, adding that Son, Altman and Ive have discussed creating a company that would draw on talent and technology from their three groups.
SoftBank declined to comment on the FT report. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Ive and LoveFrom could not be reached for comment.
(fin)
