February 20, 2025 • 13 mins
In this episode, begin with a discussion on ChatGPT's milestone of surpassing 400 million users and insights into upcoming GPT models. Examine OpenAI's growth trajectory and its competitive dynamics with DeepSeek. Address Elon Musk's takeover bid and the subsequent restructuring efforts within OpenAI. Explore the recent partnership with Guardian Media Group and its potential implications for content and AI integration. Finally, analyze the impact of startups founded by former OpenAI executives on the AI industry. Conclude with a wrap-up and sign-off, summarizing the key discussions from the episode.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Imagine a world where one in every twentypeople on the planet uses the same AI tool
weekly.
That’s the reality we’re now living in, thanksto ChatGPT.
Welcome to The OpenAI Daily Brief, your go-tofor the latest AI updates.
Today is Thursday, February 20, 2025.
(00:21):
Here’s what you need to know about ChatGPTsurpassing 400 million weekly active users and
OpenAI’s plans for the future.
Let’s dive in.
ChatGPT has crossed a monumental milestone withover 400 million weekly active users.
That means more than 5 percent of the world’spopulation is turning to this AI tool every
(00:46):
week.
And it’s not just individual users.
Over 2 million business users are nowleveraging ChatGPT to enhance their work
processes.
Brad Lightcap, OpenAI's Chief OperatingOfficer, recently shared on X that they've seen
a fivefold increase in reasoning model APIusage since the launch of OpenAI’s o3 mini
(01:09):
model.
Now, that’s some serious growth!
But the excitement doesn’t stop there.
OpenAI is gearing up to roll out GPT-4.5 andGPT-5.
What’s particularly exciting about GPT-5 isthat it will unify their GPT and o-series
models into one powerful entity.
(01:31):
Brad Lightcap mentioned that even free-tierusers will have unlimited access to GPT-5,
while Plus users can expect an "even higherintelligence" experience.
This is a big step forward in making advancedAI capabilities more accessible to everyone.
OpenAI's plans don’t just end with new models.
They’re also looking to expand ChatGPT’s agentcapabilities this year, which means we could
(01:55):
see even more versatile AI applications in thenear future.
But as OpenAI continues to grow, it’s alsofacing fierce competition.
China’s DeepSeek has been making waves in thetech markets, and OpenAI’s own Sam Altman is
considering whether their next AI projectshould be open-source.
It’s a dynamic time in the AI industry, andwe’re here to keep you informed every step of
(02:20):
the way.
OpenAI has just released some eye-poppinggrowth metrics, and they couldn’t have come at
a more strategic time.
With DeepSeek nipping at their heels and ahigh-profile takeover bid from Elon Musk,
OpenAI is making waves in the tech world.
Imagine the pressure of staying ahead in a racewhere the stakes are sky-high.
(02:41):
OpenAI's recent data reveal that they’re notjust keeping up; they’re setting the pace.
Their latest report shows that they’ve hit arecord high in API usage, thanks to the
widespread adoption of their o3 mini model.
This momentum is critical as they face thelooming threat from competitors like DeepSeek,
which has been aggressively expanding itspresence in the market.
(03:03):
But here’s why this matters beyond justnumbers.
Elon Musk’s interest in OpenAI isn’t just aheadline—it’s a turning point.
Musk has been vocal about his vision for AI andits potential to transform industries.
His takeover bid could accelerate OpenAI’sgrowth trajectory or shift it in unexpected
(03:24):
directions.
It’s like watching a chess game where everymove could redefine the board.
What’s fascinating is how OpenAI is balancinginnovation with the challenges of competition
and potential corporate changes.
Their strategic releases and continuous modelimprovements are not just about staying
relevant; they’re about leading the charge inAI advancement.
(03:47):
It's a testament to their commitment to pushingthe boundaries of what AI can achieve.
So, as we watch this unfold, the big questionis: How will OpenAI navigate these waters?
With DeepSeek’s rise and Musk’s interest, thecompany is at a crossroads.
The coming months could see pivotal decisionsthat might shape the future of AI as we know
(04:09):
it.
OpenAI is making waves with a majorrestructuring decision aimed at advancing its
mission to build safe artificial generalintelligence.
The company plans to shift its for-profit arminto a public benefit corporation, or PBC.
But what exactly does this mean for OpenAI andits future?
(04:31):
Let's break it down.
Public benefit corporations are a relativelynew type of business entity.
Unlike traditional corporations, which focussolely on maximizing profits, PBCs aim to
balance profit with a stated public benefit.
It’s a bit of a paradigm shift in how companiesoperate.
Imagine a company that not only seeks to growfinancially but also commits to a social
(04:54):
mission that’s written into its very charter.
So why is OpenAI pursuing this PBC structure?
Well, there are a few reasons.
First, it lifts the non-distribution constraintthat nonprofits have, which prevents them from
distributing profits to shareholders.
This could potentially allow OpenAI to attractmore investment.
(05:16):
They’ve already raised $6 billion recently butsay they need even more capital to keep pushing
their mission forward.
Interestingly, some within OpenAI believe thatbecoming a PBC could also protect them from
hostile takeover attempts.
The Revlon doctrine, which obliges publiclytraded companies to sell to the highest bidder
(05:37):
during a takeover, might not apply to PBCs.
This could offer OpenAI a "safe harbor" if arival firm tries to buy them out, giving them
more flexibility to maintain their mission.
Now, here's where it gets really fascinating.
OpenAI’s current structure is a bit of atangled web.
They’ve got a unique capped-profit model thatlimits investor returns to 100 times their
(06:02):
investment, which, while still a hefty return,might be scaring off some potential investors.
By shifting to a PBC, they hope to simplifythings and make themselves more attractive to
backers.
But this move isn't without its controversies.
The nonprofit arm of OpenAI controls thefor-profit side and focuses on developing safe
(06:23):
AGI.
If the nonprofit gives up control, it couldpotentially weaken its ability to steer the
company’s mission.
Critics argue that this could lead to a loss offocus on the overarching goal of safe and
beneficial AGI development.
And then there's the wild card (06:40):
Elon Musk.
With his recent $97.4 billion bid to buyOpenAI’s nonprofit assets, things could get
complicated.
While the nonprofit isn’t obligated to sell,Musk’s involvement might inflate the cost of
restructuring.
Plus, the clock is ticking.
(07:00):
OpenAI has just under two years to free itsfor-profit from nonprofit control, or face
turning their recent funding into debt.
All of this points to a critical moment forOpenAI.
Their restructuring could redefine how theyoperate and maintain their mission.
It’s a bold step in a rapidly evolvingindustry, and how they navigate this could set
(07:21):
a precedent for others looking to blend profitwith purpose.
The Guardian Media Group has just announced agroundbreaking partnership with OpenAI, marking
a significant step in how journalism andartificial intelligence can intersect.
This collaboration is set to bring theGuardian's high-quality journalism directly to
(07:43):
ChatGPT's vast global audience.
Imagine a world where the cutting-edgereporting of the Guardian is just a
conversation away, seamlessly integrated intoyour daily AI interactions.
Under this partnership, Guardian’s reportingand archives will be accessible as a news
source within ChatGPT, complete with attributedshort summaries and article extracts.
(08:07):
It's like having a personal news curator atyour fingertips, offering you the depth and
integrity of the Guardian’s journalism whereveryou go.
So why does this partnership matter?
Well, it expands the reach and impact of theGuardian’s award-winning journalism, while also
enhancing the ChatGPT experience withreal-time, relevant news content.
(08:29):
It’s a win-win that reflects the value ofintellectual property in today’s digital age.
Keith Underwood, the Chief Financial andOperating Officer at Guardian Media Group,
emphasized that this partnership acknowledgesthe intellectual property rights and value
associated with their journalism, broadeningtheir audience and influence through innovative
(08:49):
platform services.
On the other side, Brad Lightcap, ChiefOperating Officer at OpenAI, expressed that
this partnership aligns perfectly with OpenAI'sgoal of supporting world-class journalism.
It enriches the ChatGPT experience by providingusers with access to quality news content,
which is part of OpenAI's broader strategy tohelp publishers and audiences benefit from
(09:14):
advanced AI technology.
This collaboration is not just about leveragingAI; it's about enriching the way we consume
news and information.
The Guardian Media Group, known for itspioneering digital presence with one of the
largest English-speaking quality news websites,is making a bold move to integrate AI into its
(09:35):
operations.
This partnership also includes rolling outChatGPT Enterprise to develop new products,
features, and tools.
It’s a clear signal that the Guardian is notjust keeping up with technological advancements
but is actively shaping the future ofjournalism.
This strategic alliance is a testament to theGuardian’s commitment to ensuring that any use
(09:59):
of generative AI is under human oversight andfor the benefit of its readers, its business,
and its mission.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, theGuardian is setting a new standard for how
traditional media can adapt and thrive in anAI-driven world.
In the world of artificial intelligence, changeis the only constant, and Mira Murati, the
(10:24):
former Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI, isproving just that.
She's embarking on a new venture calledThinking Machines Lab, and it's already turning
heads.
So, what's this all about?
Thinking Machines Lab aims to make AI moreaccessible and adaptable to people's unique
needs and goals.
(10:45):
Imagine AI tools that are not just powerful butalso customizable and easy to understand.
That's the vision Murati has for her startup.
It's about taking AI from being a complex,often opaque technology to something that can
fit seamlessly into our everyday lives.
Joining Murati on this journey are somefamiliar faces from the AI community.
(11:10):
John Schulman, who co-founded OpenAI andrecently left Anthropic, is stepping in as
Chief Scientist.
Meanwhile, Barret Zoph, formerly OpenAI’s ChiefResearch Officer, will take on the role of
Chief Technology Officer at Thinking MachinesLab.
This powerhouse team is set to push theboundaries of what's possible with AI.
(11:32):
But there's more to this story.
Thinking Machines Lab is not just aboutindividual customization.
They're focusing on developing multimodalsystems that can work collaboratively with
humans.
These systems are designed to adapt to a fullspectrum of human expertise, enabling a broader
range of applications.
(11:53):
It's about building AI that works with us, notjust for us.
Murati's departure from OpenAI in 2024 markedthe end of an era, but it's clear she's just
getting started.
During her time at OpenAI, she was instrumentalin the development of groundbreaking
technologies like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Codex.
(12:16):
Now, she's ready to take on new challenges witha fresh perspective.
Thinking Machines Lab is part of a growingtrend of startups led by former OpenAI
executives, including Safe Superintelligenceand Anthropic.
It's exciting to see how these ventures willshape the future of AI, especially as they
bring together talent from top firms likeOpenAI, Character AI, and Google DeepMind.
(12:40):
As we wrap up today’s episode, it’s inspiringto witness leaders like Mira Murati pushing the
boundaries of AI.
Her new venture is more than just a business;it’s a vision for a future where AI is truly
integrated into the fabric of our lives,tailored to meet our unique needs.
That’s it for today’s OpenAI Daily Brief.
(13:01):
Mira Murati’s new venture, Thinking MachinesLab, is paving the way for a more personalized
and collaborative AI future.
Thanks for tuning in—subscribe to stay updated.
This is Michelle, signing off.
Until next time.
Imagine a world where one in every twentypeople on the planet uses the same AI tool
weekly.
That’s the reality we’re now living in, thanksto ChatGPT.
Welcome to The OpenAI Daily Brief, your go-tofor the latest AI updates.
Today is Thursday, February 20, 2025.
(00:21):
Here’s what you need to know about ChatGPTsurpassing 400 million weekly active users and
OpenAI’s plans for the future.
Let’s dive in.
ChatGPT has crossed a monumental milestone withover 400 million weekly active users.
That means more than 5 percent of the world’spopulation is turning to this AI tool every
(00:46):
week.
And it’s not just individual users.
Over 2 million business users are nowleveraging ChatGPT to enhance their work
processes.
Brad Lightcap, OpenAI's Chief OperatingOfficer, recently shared on X that they've seen
a fivefold increase in reasoning model APIusage since the launch of OpenAI’s o3 mini
(01:09):
model.
Now, that’s some serious growth!
But the excitement doesn’t stop there.
OpenAI is gearing up to roll out GPT-4.5 andGPT-5.
What’s particularly exciting about GPT-5 isthat it will unify their GPT and o-series
models into one powerful entity.
(01:31):
Brad Lightcap mentioned that even free-tierusers will have unlimited access to GPT-5,
while Plus users can expect an "even higherintelligence" experience.
This is a big step forward in making advancedAI capabilities more accessible to everyone.
OpenAI's plans don’t just end with new models.
They’re also looking to expand ChatGPT’s agentcapabilities this year, which means we could
(01:55):
see even more versatile AI applications in thenear future.
But as OpenAI continues to grow, it’s alsofacing fierce competition.
China’s DeepSeek has been making waves in thetech markets, and OpenAI’s own Sam Altman is
considering whether their next AI projectshould be open-source.
It’s a dynamic time in the AI industry, andwe’re here to keep you informed every step of
(02:20):
the way.
OpenAI has just released some eye-poppinggrowth metrics, and they couldn’t have come at
a more strategic time.
With DeepSeek nipping at their heels and ahigh-profile takeover bid from Elon Musk,
OpenAI is making waves in the tech world.
Imagine the pressure of staying ahead in a racewhere the stakes are sky-high.
(02:41):
OpenAI's recent data reveal that they’re notjust keeping up; they’re setting the pace.
Their latest report shows that they’ve hit arecord high in API usage, thanks to the
widespread adoption of their o3 mini model.
This momentum is critical as they face thelooming threat from competitors like DeepSeek,
which has been aggressively expanding itspresence in the market.
(03:03):
But here’s why this matters beyond justnumbers.
Elon Musk’s interest in OpenAI isn’t just aheadline—it’s a turning point.
Musk has been vocal about his vision for AI andits potential to transform industries.
His takeover bid could accelerate OpenAI’sgrowth trajectory or shift it in unexpected
(03:24):
directions.
It’s like watching a chess game where everymove could redefine the board.
What’s fascinating is how OpenAI is balancinginnovation with the challenges of competition
and potential corporate changes.
Their strategic releases and continuous modelimprovements are not just about staying
relevant; they’re about leading the charge inAI advancement.
(03:47):
It's a testament to their commitment to pushingthe boundaries of what AI can achieve.
So, as we watch this unfold, the big questionis: How will OpenAI navigate these waters?
With DeepSeek’s rise and Musk’s interest, thecompany is at a crossroads.
The coming months could see pivotal decisionsthat might shape the future of AI as we know
(04:09):
it.
OpenAI is making waves with a majorrestructuring decision aimed at advancing its
mission to build safe artificial generalintelligence.
The company plans to shift its for-profit arminto a public benefit corporation, or PBC.
But what exactly does this mean for OpenAI andits future?
(04:31):
Let's break it down.
Public benefit corporations are a relativelynew type of business entity.
Unlike traditional corporations, which focussolely on maximizing profits, PBCs aim to
balance profit with a stated public benefit.
It’s a bit of a paradigm shift in how companiesoperate.
Imagine a company that not only seeks to growfinancially but also commits to a social
(04:54):
mission that’s written into its very charter.
So why is OpenAI pursuing this PBC structure?
Well, there are a few reasons.
First, it lifts the non-distribution constraintthat nonprofits have, which prevents them from
distributing profits to shareholders.
This could potentially allow OpenAI to attractmore investment.
(05:16):
They’ve already raised $6 billion recently butsay they need even more capital to keep pushing
their mission forward.
Interestingly, some within OpenAI believe thatbecoming a PBC could also protect them from
hostile takeover attempts.
The Revlon doctrine, which obliges publiclytraded companies to sell to the highest bidder
(05:37):
during a takeover, might not apply to PBCs.
This could offer OpenAI a "safe harbor" if arival firm tries to buy them out, giving them
more flexibility to maintain their mission.
Now, here's where it gets really fascinating.
OpenAI’s current structure is a bit of atangled web.
They’ve got a unique capped-profit model thatlimits investor returns to 100 times their
(06:02):
investment, which, while still a hefty return,might be scaring off some potential investors.
By shifting to a PBC, they hope to simplifythings and make themselves more attractive to
backers.
But this move isn't without its controversies.
The nonprofit arm of OpenAI controls thefor-profit side and focuses on developing safe
(06:23):
AGI.
If the nonprofit gives up control, it couldpotentially weaken its ability to steer the
company’s mission.
Critics argue that this could lead to a loss offocus on the overarching goal of safe and
beneficial AGI development.
And then there's the wild card (06:40):
Elon Musk.
With his recent $97.4 billion bid to buyOpenAI’s nonprofit assets, things could get
complicated.
While the nonprofit isn’t obligated to sell,Musk’s involvement might inflate the cost of
restructuring.
Plus, the clock is ticking.
(07:00):
OpenAI has just under two years to free itsfor-profit from nonprofit control, or face
turning their recent funding into debt.
All of this points to a critical moment forOpenAI.
Their restructuring could redefine how theyoperate and maintain their mission.
It’s a bold step in a rapidly evolvingindustry, and how they navigate this could set
(07:21):
a precedent for others looking to blend profitwith purpose.
The Guardian Media Group has just announced agroundbreaking partnership with OpenAI, marking
a significant step in how journalism andartificial intelligence can intersect.
This collaboration is set to bring theGuardian's high-quality journalism directly to
(07:43):
ChatGPT's vast global audience.
Imagine a world where the cutting-edgereporting of the Guardian is just a
conversation away, seamlessly integrated intoyour daily AI interactions.
Under this partnership, Guardian’s reportingand archives will be accessible as a news
source within ChatGPT, complete with attributedshort summaries and article extracts.
(08:07):
It's like having a personal news curator atyour fingertips, offering you the depth and
integrity of the Guardian’s journalism whereveryou go.
So why does this partnership matter?
Well, it expands the reach and impact of theGuardian’s award-winning journalism, while also
enhancing the ChatGPT experience withreal-time, relevant news content.
(08:29):
It’s a win-win that reflects the value ofintellectual property in today’s digital age.
Keith Underwood, the Chief Financial andOperating Officer at Guardian Media Group,
emphasized that this partnership acknowledgesthe intellectual property rights and value
associated with their journalism, broadeningtheir audience and influence through innovative
(08:49):
platform services.
On the other side, Brad Lightcap, ChiefOperating Officer at OpenAI, expressed that
this partnership aligns perfectly with OpenAI'sgoal of supporting world-class journalism.
It enriches the ChatGPT experience by providingusers with access to quality news content,
which is part of OpenAI's broader strategy tohelp publishers and audiences benefit from
(09:14):
advanced AI technology.
This collaboration is not just about leveragingAI; it's about enriching the way we consume
news and information.
The Guardian Media Group, known for itspioneering digital presence with one of the
largest English-speaking quality news websites,is making a bold move to integrate AI into its
(09:35):
operations.
This partnership also includes rolling outChatGPT Enterprise to develop new products,
features, and tools.
It’s a clear signal that the Guardian is notjust keeping up with technological advancements
but is actively shaping the future ofjournalism.
This strategic alliance is a testament to theGuardian’s commitment to ensuring that any use
(09:59):
of generative AI is under human oversight andfor the benefit of its readers, its business,
and its mission.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, theGuardian is setting a new standard for how
traditional media can adapt and thrive in anAI-driven world.
In the world of artificial intelligence, changeis the only constant, and Mira Murati, the
(10:24):
former Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI, isproving just that.
She's embarking on a new venture calledThinking Machines Lab, and it's already turning
heads.
So, what's this all about?
Thinking Machines Lab aims to make AI moreaccessible and adaptable to people's unique
needs and goals.
(10:45):
Imagine AI tools that are not just powerful butalso customizable and easy to understand.
That's the vision Murati has for her startup.
It's about taking AI from being a complex,often opaque technology to something that can
fit seamlessly into our everyday lives.
Joining Murati on this journey are somefamiliar faces from the AI community.
(11:10):
John Schulman, who co-founded OpenAI andrecently left Anthropic, is stepping in as
Chief Scientist.
Meanwhile, Barret Zoph, formerly OpenAI’s ChiefResearch Officer, will take on the role of
Chief Technology Officer at Thinking MachinesLab.
This powerhouse team is set to push theboundaries of what's possible with AI.
(11:32):
But there's more to this story.
Thinking Machines Lab is not just aboutindividual customization.
They're focusing on developing multimodalsystems that can work collaboratively with
humans.
These systems are designed to adapt to a fullspectrum of human expertise, enabling a broader
range of applications.
(11:53):
It's about building AI that works with us, notjust for us.
Murati's departure from OpenAI in 2024 markedthe end of an era, but it's clear she's just
getting started.
During her time at OpenAI, she was instrumentalin the development of groundbreaking
technologies like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Codex.
(12:16):
Now, she's ready to take on new challenges witha fresh perspective.
Thinking Machines Lab is part of a growingtrend of startups led by former OpenAI
executives, including Safe Superintelligenceand Anthropic.
It's exciting to see how these ventures willshape the future of AI, especially as they
bring together talent from top firms likeOpenAI, Character AI, and Google DeepMind.
(12:40):
As we wrap up today’s episode, it’s inspiringto witness leaders like Mira Murati pushing the
boundaries of AI.
Her new venture is more than just a business;it’s a vision for a future where AI is truly
integrated into the fabric of our lives,tailored to meet our unique needs.
That’s it for today’s OpenAI Daily Brief.
(13:01):
Mira Murati’s new venture, Thinking MachinesLab, is paving the way for a more personalized
and collaborative AI future.
Thanks for tuning in—subscribe to stay updated.
This is Michelle, signing off.
Until next time.
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