OpenAI had threatened to take back vested equity if ex-employees didn’t sign ultra-restrictive exit documents. This move forced employees to choose between millions of dollars and criticizing the company indefinitely. After intense public backlash, CEO Sam Altman apologized, promising to never claw back vested equity. However, internal documents contradict leadership’s claim of unawareness. OpenAI’s complicated equity structure raised concerns about trust and transparency, affecting employees’ ability to voice criticism. Ex-employees faced high-pressure tactics and legal retaliation tactics to sign the restrictive documents. Altman’s signature on incorporation documents allowed OpenAI to have the authority to retract vested equity and block employees from selling it. This controversy revealed issues within the company’s leadership and corporate structure, undermining OpenAI’s mission to benefit humanity.
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/351132/openai-vested-equity-nda-sam-altman-documents-employees