OpenAI, initially launched as a nonprofit in 2015, set out with the goal of advancing artificial intelligence (AI) for the benefit of humanity, without pursuing financial gain. Early plans focused on modest AI development, like training agents to solve games and building robots for household tasks. However, the organization has since transformed, with its for-profit subsidiary recently valued at $157 billion, propelled by breakthroughs like ChatGPT.

Despite this shift, OpenAI maintains that its mission to democratize AI remains constant, though its approach has evolved with technological advances. The organization now participates in commercial partnerships, believing they help advance its mission. OpenAI's corporate structure, closely monitored by nonprofit experts, raises questions about the balance between its nonprofit obligations and for-profit activities.

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