During a court hearing, Microsoft’s Chief Technology Officer, Kevin Scott, addressed allegations that the company was aware of OpenAI's shift from its nonprofit foundation prior to its investment. This testimony marks the first public discussion regarding an internal email from Scott dated March 7, 2018, in which he expressed concerns about the implications of OpenAI's plans.
Scott clarified that his inquiries were not meant to question OpenAI's mission broadly but to assess the viability of its commercial aspirations presented to Microsoft. He noted the competitive landscape, with both companies trailing behind Google in the AI sector, and expressed concern that ongoing discussions could divert focus.
He identified Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn’s co-founder, as the donor he was concerned about, rather than Elon Musk. Later, during a dinner meeting with Sam Altman and former Microsoft executive Craig Mundie, Scott discovered that Hoffman was actually investing in OpenAI's new for-profit model, which was in the process of raising $500 million.
Scott remarked on the new corporate structure that OpenAI had adopted, describing it as "surprising and interesting." However, he emphasized that Microsoft still needed to conduct extensive due diligence before any deal could be finalized.