Image credit: The Byteline

OpenAI is exploring the possibility of granting special voting rights to its non-profit board to safeguard its control against hostile takeover attempts, including a recent unsolicited bid from Elon Musk, according to a report by the Financial Times.

The measure is under discussion as the ChatGPT developer transitions toward a more conventional for-profit structure.

Citing sources familiar with the talks, the report states that CEO Sam Altman and OpenAI’s board members are evaluating new governance mechanisms to maintain the board’s influence over the company’s direction.

While no final decision has been made, such a move would allow OpenAI’s non-profit board to override major investors in key decisions, ensuring long-term control remains with its leadership rather than external shareholders.

The discussions come after OpenAI rejected a $97.4 billion acquisition offer from a consortium led by Altman's long-time rival Musk. The company dismissed the bid outright, reiterating that it is not for sale and rejecting any future offers as disingenuous.

Musk, who co-founded OpenAI alongside Altman before cutting ties with the organization, has been a vocal critic of its shift toward a more commercially driven model.

If implemented, the special voting rights would serve as a safeguard against future takeover attempts, including from major investors like Microsoft and SoftBank, who have backed OpenAI with billions of dollars in funding.

The move could help the board preserve its strategic vision while continuing to raise capital.

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