OpenAI's Secret 2017 Bid to Acquire AI Chip Pioneer Cerebras Revealed

OpenAI Cerebras merger technology chips AI

In a fascinating revelation from recent legal filings, OpenAI's early ambitions to revolutionize AI hardware have come to light through a previously unknown attempt to acquire Cerebras, a cutting-edge AI chipmaking company. This surprising connection between two AI powerhouses emerged from Elon Musk's ongoing lawsuit against OpenAI, offering a glimpse into the strategic thinking of tech's most influential players.

Back in 2017, when Cerebras was just finding its footing, OpenAI's leadership was already eyeing the promising chip manufacturer. Internal emails reveal that Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI's co-founder and former chief scientist, proposed an intriguing strategy: acquiring Cerebras through Tesla, Elon Musk's electric vehicle company. This proposal sparked an interesting debate about corporate missions and shareholder obligations.

A Complex Web of Interests

The potential acquisition raised important questions about corporate alignment. Sutskever expressed concerns about using Tesla as the acquisition vehicle, noting that Tesla's obligation to maximize shareholder returns might conflict with OpenAI's broader mission. These deliberations highlight the delicate balance between business interests and technological advancement in the AI sector.

The Road Not Taken

While the merger discussions ultimately fell through, the implications of what could have been are striking. For Cerebras, the deal might have provided a stable foundation for growth without the complexities of going public. OpenAI, meanwhile, might have gained early access to crucial chip-making capabilities – a resource that has become increasingly valuable in today's AI landscape.

Present-Day Implications

The relevance of this historical revelation is particularly poignant given both companies' current positions. Cerebras, now preparing for an IPO with a $4 billion valuation, faces its own challenges, including heavy reliance on a single client. Meanwhile, OpenAI continues its quest for chip independence, developing in-house solutions expected to debut by 2026.

The discovery of these merger discussions provides valuable insight into the strategic thinking that has shaped the AI industry. While the deal never materialized, it represents a crucial moment in both companies' histories and highlights the ongoing importance of hardware infrastructure in the AI race.

Perhaps most intriguingly, this revelation raises questions about how different the AI landscape might look today had this merger succeeded. Would OpenAI have gained a crucial early advantage in the AI hardware race? How might Cerebras' technology have evolved under OpenAI's guidance?

AI computer chips manufacturing process

As we look to the future, this historical footnote serves as a reminder of the complex relationships and strategic decisions that continue to shape the AI industry. While OpenAI and Cerebras have taken different paths, their shared history underscores the critical intersection of hardware and software in advancing artificial intelligence.

hourly workers job search platform mobile app interface

Job Search Giants Unite: JobGet Acquires Snagajob in Major Hourly Work Platform Merger

1 hour ago

1 hour ago · In a significant move that's reshaping the landscape of hourly work job hunting, Boston-based startup JobGet has announced its acquisition of veteran job platform Snagajob. This merger creates what's being touted as the largest job platform specifically designed for hourly and frontline workers in the United States. # A New Era in Hourly Work Job Search The combination of these two platforms marks a pivotal moment for America's hourly workforce. With JobGet's modern, social media-inspired approach meeting Snagajob's established presence and extensive employer network, job seekers can expect a more streamlined and effective job hunting experience. The merged platform will potentially reach up to 100 million workers across the country. # The Power Players Behind the Deal JobGet brings to the table its innovative approach to job searching, designed specifically for today's digital-native workforce. Valued at $440 million as of 2022, the platform has already helped secure millions of jobs through its tech-savvy interface. Snagajob contributes its impressive track record of 3.6 million monthly active users and relationships with 14,000 employers, having successfully filled 40,000 positions. # A Modern Approach to Job Hunting What sets this merged platform apart is its fresh take on the job search process. JobGet's "JobGenie" feature, inspired by TikTok's "For You" page, uses AI to personalize job recommendations for users. The platform also offers instant interview scheduling, dramatically reducing the time between job discovery and securing employment. # Market Forces at Play This merger comes at a time when the tech job platform market is experiencing significant changes: * The rise of AI technology is transforming how job matching and recruitment work * Recent years have seen numerous startups entering the hourly worker platform space * Changes in funding availability are driving industry consolidation # Looking Ahead For hourly workers, this merger promises to combine JobGet's modern, social-first approach with Snagajob's established network and expertise. As CEO Tony Liu explains, the goal remains clear: creating accessible pathways to employment while helping employers connect with quality candidates efficiently. The future of hourly work job hunting is evolving, and this merger represents a significant step toward making the process more accessible, efficient, and aligned with how today's workforce prefers to connect with opportunities. As these platforms integrate their services, job seekers can look forward to a more streamlined and effective way to find their next position.