OpenAI co-founder leaves company for rival Anthropic

John Schulman, an OpenAI co-founder and key player in ChatGPT’s development, has left the company to join rival AI firm Anthropic. Schulman will be part of a research team at Anthropic focused on AI alignment — making sure that artificial intelligence systems are consistent with human values. His departure is one of many high-profile exits from OpenAI in recent months.

According to Schulman, his exit wasn’t because there was any lack of support for alignment research at OpenAI; he pointed out the company’s active engagement in such matters. In a memo sent to colleagues about his decision, he said that he decided to step away from OpenAI so that he could work more on AI alignment. He also wanted to start a new chapter in his career where he could do technical work alongside people who share his interests.

I shared the following note with my OpenAI colleagues today:

I've made the difficult decision to leave OpenAI. This choice stems from my desire to deepen my focus on AI alignment, and to start a new chapter of my career where I can return to hands-on technical work. I've decided…

— John Schulman (@johnschulman2) August 6, 2024

OpenAI faces leadership changes and industry scrutiny

Schulman’s departure coincides both with growth and turmoil within OpenAI. Last November, CEO Sam Altman was briefly fired from his position, only to come back five days later, under intense employee pressure after most of the directors involved in Altman’s firing had been replaced.

At this same time, lawmakers and industry leaders have heightened scrutiny over OpenAI due to its fast-paced research development, which critics warn could create unforeseen dangers down the line

The financial picture tells a different story about artificial intelligence (AI). According to GlobalData’s deal database, global AI deal value reached $331 billion this year compared with $211 billion last year. A peak quarterly investment into the sector of $119 billion was witnessed in the second quarter 2023. Numbers dropped significantly in the third quarter to $68 billion.

Schulman’s decision comes as a part of a larger movement where scientists are putting more emphasis on ethics and alignment in artificial intelligence (AI) development. With increasing complexity and risks related to the widespread use of these systems, this shift has occurred.

Yet, global data predicts that the overall market will still reach $908.7 billion by 2030 despite such fluctuations. This shows continued interest in innovative investment since OpenAI and other similar companies keep improving their products to ensure ethics always stays central within all parties involved.