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OpenAI Acquires Remote Collaboration Platform Multi

Author

Alicia Shapiro
June 24, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

A futuristic image depicting OpenAI's acquisition of Multi, a remote collaboration platform. The scene features elements of videoconferencing and AI integration, with digital representations of team collaboration, video chats, and screen sharing. The background includes the OpenAI and Multi logos, highlighting innovation and enterprise solutions. The color scheme is modern and tech-oriented

OpenAI Acquires Remote Collaboration Platform Multi

OpenAI continues its acquisition spree with the purchase of Multi, an enterprise-focused, video-first collaboration platform, just days after acquiring database tech firm Rockset. The acquisition is reported to be an acquihire, with most of Multi’s team, about five people, joining OpenAI.

Multi's Closure and Team Transition

Alexander Embiricos, Multi’s CEO and co-founder, announced that Multi will shut down on July 24, 2024. In a blog post, Embiricos expressed excitement about joining OpenAI and thanked Multi's users for their support and feedback.

Multi's Offerings and Background

Multi, co-founded by Embiricos, a former Dropbox product manager, and Charley Ho, a former Google software engineer, aimed to create a Zoom-based platform for remote team collaboration through video chats. Features included simultaneous screen sharing for up to 10 people, customizable shortcuts, and automatic deep links for code, designs, and documents. Multi had raised $13 million from investors such as Greylock and First Round Capital before its acquisition.

OpenAI's Enterprise Focus

The acquisition of Multi aligns with OpenAI's recent strategy of enhancing enterprise solutions. OpenAI's corporate tier of ChatGPT has attracted nearly 600,000 users, including 93% of Fortune 500 companies. In May, OpenAI signed an agreement with PwC to resell its tools to other businesses, and in April, launched a custom AI model tuning and consulting program.

Potential Integration with ChatGPT

The acquisition raises the possibility of OpenAI integrating videoconferencing and remote collaboration capabilities into a future version of ChatGPT. Given OpenAI's focus on expanding its enterprise offerings, such an integration could be a strategic move to enhance its product suite.

Financial Outlook

OpenAI's enterprise-focused efforts are paying off, with the company's revenue projected to exceed $3.4 billion this year, according to The Information. The addition of Multi’s team and technology could further bolster OpenAI's enterprise capabilities and market position.