Fidji Simo Transitions from Instacart to OpenAI
In a notable leadership change, Instacart CEO Fidji Simo will step down from her role to join OpenAI as the company’s CEO of Applications. Simo, who has served on OpenAI’s board for the past year, is expected to transition over the coming months and assume her new position later this year. In her upcoming role, Simo will oversee the Applications division, which encompasses the business and operational teams responsible for bringing OpenAI’s research to the public. She will report directly to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who continues to lead the company’s research and compute initiatives.
OpenAI Reaffirms Nonprofit Control Amid Structural Changes
OpenAI recently reversed its plan to convert into a for-profit entity, opting instead to maintain its nonprofit governance structure. The decision followed consultations with civic leaders and the attorneys general of California and Delaware, as well as public criticism and legal challenges, notably from cofounder Elon Musk and competitor Meta. Under the revised structure, OpenAI’s nonprofit will oversee a newly established Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), allowing for some commercial flexibility while preserving the organization’s original mission.
Leadership Changes at AI Startup 11x
Hasan Sukkar, founder of AI startup 11x, announced his resignation as CEO, transitioning to a non-executive chairman role. Chief Technology Officer Prabhav Jain will assume the CEO position. Sukkar’s departure follows scrutiny earlier this year when the company was found displaying logos of inactive customers on its website, some of whom had threatened legal action .
Tesla’s Trademark Applications Face Setbacks
Tesla’s attempts to trademark the terms “Cybercab” and “Robotaxi” have been rejected by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), citing their generic nature. The USPTO issued a “nonfinal office action,” giving Tesla a three-month window to respond before the applications are potentially abandoned. Despite these setbacks, Tesla plans to launch an autonomous ride-hailing service by June in Austin, Texas.
Meta Introduces Video Ads to Threads Platform
Meta announced the testing of video ads within its Threads platform, which now boasts over 350 million monthly active users. The move, revealed at the IAB NewFronts conference, is part of Meta’s broader strategy to expand its advertising initiatives across its platforms.
Posha Unveils Automated Kitchen Robot
Robotics company Posha introduced a kitchen-aid robot designed to prepare meals automatically. Users can select a recipe from over 1,000 options and supply the necessary ingredients, allowing the robot to handle meal preparation from start to finish. The device aims to transform home cooking with intelligent automation and personalized nutrition.
Bill Gates Plans to Wind Down Foundation by 2045
Bill Gates announced that the Gates Foundation will exhaust its current resources and end operations within two decades. Gates reaffirmed his pledge to donate 99% of his fortune, currently estimated at $107 billion, to philanthropy centered around the foundation’s initiatives. The foundation plans to spend more than $200 billion between now and 2045, marking a significant acceleration in its philanthropic efforts .
