Rain AI, located in close proximity to OpenAI’s San Francisco headquarters, specializes in developing NPUs designed to replicate features of the human brain. The nonbinding agreement between OpenAI and Rain AI, dating back to 2019, recently came to light through investor documents and a copy of the deal obtained by WIRED.
Altman’s personal investment of over $1 million in Rain AI further complicates the situation. This revelation sheds light on the intricate web of personal investments Altman maintains, potentially influencing his decisions as the CEO of OpenAI.
While Rain AI claims it could deliver its first hardware to customers by October next year, both OpenAI and Rain have chosen to remain tight-lipped on the matter.
Altman’s Web of Investments Raises Eyebrows
Altman’s history as a dealmaker in Silicon Valley, stemming from his leadership at startup incubator Y Combinator, has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Reports suggest that Altman’s various pursuits played a role in his recent dismissal by OpenAI’s board, citing issues related to communication transparency.
The Rain deal also underscores OpenAI’s willingness to invest substantial sums in securing chip supplies crucial for pioneering AI projects. Altman has publicly expressed concerns about the shortage and high costs of AI chips, emphasizing their impact on the pace of AI progress.
Rain AI’s Challenges and Leadership Shifts
Rain AI, founded in 2017, has touted its brain-inspired NPUs as capable of delivering significantly higher computing power and energy efficiency than conventional GPUs. However, recent leadership reshuffles and the mandated divestment of a Saudi Arabia-affiliated fund have added challenges to Rain’s efforts to bring its novel chip technology to market.
The forced removal of Prosperity7 Ventures, a $25 million investor in Rain, raises questions about the potential delays in fulfilling OpenAI’s $51 million advance order for Rain’s chips. Grep VC acquired the divested shares, and both Grep VC and the Saudi fund declined to comment on the matter.
Altman’s Ambitions to Diversify AI Chip Supply
Altman’s efforts to increase the global supply of AI chips involve discussions with investors in the Middle East about raising funds for a new chip company. The aim is to diversify beyond the current reliance on Nvidia GPUs and specialized chips from tech giants like Google and Amazon. However, details about these private talks remain undisclosed.
Rain’s Future and CFIUS Concerns
Rain, projecting optimism in its progress, has claimed advanced talks with major tech companies, including Google, Oracle, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon. However, the forced divestment by Prosperity7 has raised concerns about Rain’s stability and potential impacts on OpenAI’s chip supply.
The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has expressed concerns about Prosperity7’s investment in Rain, citing national security risks. Rain’s acceptance of funding from a Saudi Arabian source has triggered heightened scrutiny, with CFIUS maintaining its commitment to safeguarding U.S. national security.
Altman, faced with the challenge of securing reliable hardware for OpenAI’s AI projects, may need to seek partners with substantial financial backing. Competitors like Amazon and Google have invested in developing their custom AI chips, presenting a potential avenue for OpenAI to explore.
In the ever-evolving landscape of AI and chip technology, Altman’s intricate web of investments and OpenAI’s pursuit of cutting-edge hardware solutions raise questions about the future direction of one of the industry’s leading organizations. The unfolding developments with Rain AI and Altman’s ambitions to reshape the AI chip supply chain will undoubtedly be closely monitored in the tech community.
