Elon Musk tried to get Mark Zuckerberg involved in his bid to buy OpenAI, according to a recent court filing. The AI company disclosed the discussions on Thursday.
The filing said Musk and his startup xAI approached Meta’s CEO about possible financing or investments. Neither Zuckerberg nor Meta signed any letter of intent, it added.
Musk submitted a $97.6 billion offer to buy OpenAI in February. The company ultimately rejected the bid, preferring to continue on its independent path.
OpenAI and xAI did not respond to immediate requests for comment. Meta also declined to provide any statements regarding the discussions.
Musk co-founded OpenAI with Sam Altman and others in 2015. He left the board in 2018, citing disagreements over the company’s move to a for-profit structure.
After leaving, Musk started xAI, a rival AI company. He has sued OpenAI twice, claiming the company prioritized profits over its founding mission of public benefit.
Musk has publicly criticized Altman, calling him “Scam Altman” in February. Recently, the two billionaires exchanged accusations on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The spat escalated after Musk threatened legal action against Apple. He claimed the company gave ChatGPT special treatment in App Store rankings.
Meta has been aggressively developing its own AI models. Over the last year, it has competed with OpenAI by poaching top researchers from leading AI labs.
Recent hires at Meta include former GitHub chief Nat Friedman, Scale AI ex-CEO Alexandr Wang, and ex-OpenAI researchers Shengjia Zhao, Shuchao Bi, Jiahui Yu, and Hongyu Ren.
OpenAI requested the court to make Meta provide documents about any communications it had with Musk or xAI. The company wants clarity on potential coordination or investment discussions.
Musk’s effort to involve Zuckerberg shows how high-profile investors view AI competition. Large tech companies continue to position themselves as leaders in the growing AI market.
The legal battle between Musk, xAI, and OpenAI highlights the tension over AI’s commercial and ethical paths. OpenAI has been balancing profit motives with public interest since its founding.
Both Musk and Altman remain influential figures in AI development. Their companies continue to compete in talent, funding, and model capabilities on a global stage.
The case could shed light on internal negotiations between major tech firms. Courts will review evidence regarding communications and potential financial arrangements.
OpenAI’s filing underscores concerns about fair competition. The company wants transparency regarding any interactions between Meta, Musk, or xAI that might affect its operations.
This development follows a year of intense AI growth. Tech giants are increasingly investing in large language models and high-value researchers to advance their capabilities.
The outcome of this case may influence future AI collaborations. It could also determine how much control large investors have over critical AI projects.
OpenAI’s rejection of Musk’s bid maintains its independence. At the same time, Meta’s hiring spree reflects a growing battle for dominance in AI research.
Musk, Zuckerberg, and Altman represent three of the most high-profile figures shaping AI’s future. Their strategies continue to attract global attention and scrutiny.
Courts will likely consider the legal and financial aspects carefully. The filings provide insight into how AI companies interact and compete for talent and funding.
OpenAI’s request for documentation may set a precedent. Companies might face higher scrutiny for communications related to potential mergers or investments in AI startups.
The growing competition between AI firms highlights how quickly the field is changing. Companies are increasingly willing to spend billions to secure talent and technology.
Analysts note that lawsuits like Musk’s could reshape AI governance. They may affect how startups negotiate funding, partnerships, and talent poaching in the future.
Investors and regulators will closely watch the case. Its results could influence public trust in AI and how tech companies balance profit and public interest.
The court’s decision could impact both xAI and OpenAI’s strategic plans. It may also affect Meta’s recruitment approach and investment decisions in AI.
This high-profile dispute shows that AI competition is no longer only technological. Legal and financial strategies are becoming central to the sector’s growth.
Musk’s attempts to involve Zuckerberg underline the high stakes in AI ownership. Control over OpenAI could have significant implications for the global AI landscape.
