OpenAI is actively expanding through mergers and acquisitions. Following the recent acquisition of the database technology company Rockset, OpenAI has now purchased Multi (formerly known as Remotion), a startup that developed a video-centric collaboration platform aimed at enterprises. According to an insider, the acquisition primarily focuses on talent acquisition, with most of Multi’s team—approximately five members—joining OpenAI post-acquisition.
Alexander Embiricos, CEO and co-founder of Multi, announced that the platform would cease operations after July 24.
“We’re thrilled to announce that Multi is joining OpenAI,” Embiricos shared on Multi’s blog. “We extend our gratitude to all users of Multi. Building with you has been an honor, and we have gained invaluable insights from you.”
Embiricos, a former Dropbox product manager, and Charley Ho, a former Google software engineer and Multi’s second co-founder, envisioned Multi as a Zoom-based platform tailored for remote teams to collaborate via video chats. Multi provided features such as simultaneous screen sharing for up to 10 participants, customizable shortcuts, and automatic deep links for code, designs, and documents.
Crunchbase data reveals that Multi had raised $13 million from venture capitalists, including Greylock and First Round Capital, prior to its acquisition.
Similar to the Rockset purchase, the acquisition of Multi aligns with OpenAI’s broader strategy of investing heavily in enterprise solutions. OpenAI recently disclosed that the corporate tier of its AI-powered chatbot platform, ChatGPT, has nearly 600,000 users, including 93% of Fortune 500 companies.
In May, OpenAI entered into an agreement with PwC to resell OpenAI’s tools to other businesses. The previous month, OpenAI launched a business-oriented program for custom AI model tuning and consulting.
These enterprise-focused acquisitions appear to be fruitful, with OpenAI’s revenue projected to surpass $3.4 billion this year, according to The Information.
Considering OpenAI’s recent corporate-focused product initiatives, it’s plausible that we might eventually see an enhanced ChatGPT featuring videoconferencing and remote collaboration capabilities. Given OpenAI’s pace and ambition, this development could be on the horizon.
In addition to boosting its enterprise solutions, OpenAI’s acquisition of Multi highlights its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. By integrating Multi’s innovative collaboration tools, OpenAI aims to streamline communication and productivity for remote teams, which has become increasingly important in the post-pandemic world. This move is expected to attract more enterprise clients who are looking for comprehensive AI-driven solutions that cater to modern work environments.
Furthermore, the integration of Multi’s technology could pave the way for more seamless interaction between human users and AI systems. By enhancing ChatGPT with video-first collaboration features, OpenAI can offer a more immersive and interactive experience for its users. This not only strengthens OpenAI’s position in the AI market but also sets a new standard for AI-powered communication tools. The potential for real-time video interactions powered by AI could revolutionize how businesses operate and collaborate globally.
As OpenAI continues to expand its capabilities, the company is also focusing on ethical AI development and responsible use of technology. The acquisition of Multi aligns with OpenAI’s mission to ensure that artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. By incorporating Multi’s advanced collaboration tools, OpenAI is taking another step towards creating AI systems that are not only powerful and efficient but also safe and beneficial for society at large.
