[DrScientist]

I think the only certainty here is what Sam Altman chooses to say in public is very much in Sam Altman's interests.

So working back from that:

- The IPO is the way to convert theoretical riches into real riches. Indeed if OpenAI business model never actually works out it may be the only significant chance.

- They want a large retail investor ( driven by hype and not numbers ) component to the IPO to maximise gain.

- They fear that the open public hostility to AI and AI companies put's this at risk.

- Hence the about face on the messaging. THe first messaging about job reductions was about the value OpenAI could capture - that was aimed at initial investors. Now they want to take money from the general public - so a different message.

[DrScientist]

I asked OpenAI for comment on the above ( via ChatGPT of course ).

The two things it added is that being seen as too disruptive/unpopular creates regulatory risk which could impact future growth and profits, and also secondary reputation risk for investors both which might impact the IPO.