Why OpenAI and Microsoft’s AI partnership might be headed for a breakup
Podcast:Most Innovative Companies Published On: Thu Jun 26 2025 Description: On today's episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation. Topics include Zohran Mamdani’s stunning victory in the New York City mayoral primary, Tesla’s robotaxi launch, and another round of layoffs for dating app Bumble. (00:46) Next, for the past six years, OpenAI and Microsoft have enjoyed a moderately mutual partnership. Microsoft invested a significant amount into OpenAI, leading to the development of AI Boom and ChatGPT. Now, they find themselves at a crossroads. Josh and Yaz discuss with Fast Company contributing writer Chris Stokel-Walker and senior editor Max Ufberg how the two tech giants are presenting a united front to the press, while privately bickering about intellectual property, profit-sharing, and the structure of OpenAI. (05:34) Finally, Josh and Yaz talk to Fast Company senior editor and author of An Exercise in Uncertainty: A Memoir of Illness and Hope, Jon Gluck, about his battle with multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable blood cancer. (28:31) For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Chris Stokel-Walker’s article on Microsoft and Open AI: https://www.fastcompany.com/91353775/openai-microsoft-ai-partnership-breakup To find out more about Jon Gluck’s memoir: https://www.grassrootsbookstore.com/item/ZoOPMvNQhqYA3gQ-9mg8pg/lists/LFUIg6W8hc9s/