NEWS  AI  April 30, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

In March 2020, Bill Gates, the iconic co-founder of Microsoft, officially resigned from his role as a member of its board of directors, marking an end to his direct involvement in the company's leadership. The announcement came with a claim that Gates wanted to focus more on his philanthropic activities through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. However, recent reports suggest that Gates' influence within Microsoft has persisted, particularly in the company's burgeoning partnership with OpenAI.

Gates' Departure and Controversies  

In 2021, the Wall Street Journal reported that Gates left the board due to an investigation into an alleged personal relationship he had with a Microsoft employee in 2000. Gates' spokesperson denied that this investigation was the reason for his resignation. Despite these claims, Gates' interest in Microsoft's technology developments appears to have continued, albeit behind the scenes.

Gates' Role in the Microsoft-OpenAI Partnership  

According to a new report from Business Insider, Gates has been secretly working with Microsoft on its AI initiatives, becoming one of the key figures driving the company's partnership with OpenAI. The report claims that Gates had been involved in meetings with OpenAI as early as 2016, indicating his long-standing interest in AI technology.

In 2022, the article states that Gates challenged OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, to create a large language model capable of passing the Advanced Placement (AP) biology exam. In August 2022, Altman reportedly demonstrated a version of GPT-4 at Gates' home, showing that the AI had indeed achieved that milestone. This event was a turning point, leading Gates to write a memo—known internally as "the memo"—outlining how Microsoft should leverage GPT-4.

Gates' Influence on Microsoft's AI Strategy  

Following the GPT-4 demo and Gates' memo, Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, reportedly held a company-wide meeting where he urged his teams to integrate AI into various Microsoft products and services. Gates' involvement in this significant shift underscores his lasting impact on the company's strategic direction, even after his official departure from the board.

In addition to guiding AI integration, Gates is also said to be actively involved in meetings with top Microsoft executives to monitor project developments. He's reportedly assisting with executive recruitment and retention, further highlighting his enduring influence within the company.

The Power Behind the Curtain  

Gates may not have a formal role at Microsoft, but his ongoing involvement with the company suggests he still wields considerable power in Redmond.

As Microsoft accelerates its adoption of AI technology through its partnership with OpenAI, Gates' strategic vision and industry expertise remain critical. His continued engagement with Microsoft executives demonstrates that even without an official title, Bill Gates' legacy within the tech giant is far from over.

 IMAGES CREDITS: MICROSOFT / WIKIPEDIA / OPENAI