OpenAI has informed its investors of a change in its financial agreement with Microsoft, with the share of revenue allocated to the tech giant expected to drop by half by the end of this decade.
According to internal financial documents reviewed by The Information, OpenAI plans to reduce Microsoft’s current 20% revenue share to just 10% by 2030.
This projection comes as OpenAI pulls back on an earlier restructuring that would have shifted more control to its for-profit subsidiary. The nonprofit arm will continue to operate, ensuring OpenAI’s original governance structure stands.
Despite Microsoft’s massive investment, reportedly exceeding $13 billion, the revenue model is evolving. While the partnership remains intact, the financial terms are changing.
Microsoft’s current agreement, which runs through 2030, gives it exclusive access to OpenAI’s APIs on Azure and integration rights for OpenAI’s intellectual property in Microsoft products like Copilot.
However, OpenAI is making it clear to both current and prospective investors that those terms could look very different as the decade progresses. The revised projections show a wider recalibration of how OpenAI engages with its commercial partners.
I see this beyond a simple financial tweak. OpenAI’s intent is to reassert independence while still leaning on strategic alliances.
Added to this, Microsoft hasn’t approved the proposed corporate structure changes yet. Sources say the company wants firm assurances that its multibillion-dollar stake remains protected under the new setup. With discussions ongoing, it’s clear that Microsoft’s interests go far beyond 2030.
“We continue to work closely with Microsoft, and look forward to finalising the details of this recapitalisation in the near future,” an OpenAI spokesperson told The Information.
Hence, both firms are keeping public statements minimal. Microsoft declined to comment further, and OpenAI has not issued any additional responses.
