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OpenAI's Annualized Revenue Surpasses $1.6 Billion Amid CEO Drama

OpenAI's annualized revenue reached $1.6 billion in 2023, a significant increase from $1.3 billion in October. The surge coincided with the abrupt firing and subsequent reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman. A major contributor to the earnings was the widely used language model, ChatGPT.

Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, shared his bewildering experience on a podcast with Trevor Noah, revealing that he received the termination call during the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Las Vegas. The board's vague accusations of Altman's lack of transparency raised questions about the initial dismissal.

Despite the turmoil, Altman refrained from making negative remarks about OpenAI and returned to work swiftly. The company's revenue success was fueled by the popularity of ChatGPT, with internet users flocking to its Wikipedia page more than any other in 2023.

Altman's dismissal and reinstatement created a stir, with employees expressing indignation. The episode, marked by a surreal weekend and constant notifications, had a notable impact on Altman, who faced the challenges with resilience.