Multi Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next

OpenAI's acquisition of Multi marks a significant step in the tech industry. Multi, known for its innovative remote collaboration tools, will bring valuable expertise to OpenAI's enterprise solutions. This strategic move aligns with OpenAI's broader goals of enhancing AI-driven productivity and collaboration, potentially integrating Multi's features into existing products like ChatGPT.

What Is Multi?

Founded in 2024, Multi specializes in multiplayer collaboration software for MacOS. Its core offerings include shared control with sub-100ms latency, simultaneous screensharing for up to 10 users, and a keyboard-first approach with customizable shortcuts. Unique features like automatic deep links, AI-powered documentation, and world-class audio/video quality set Multi apart in the market. The software is designed to accelerate software development through real-time collaboration and efficient workflow management.

Who Acquired Multi?

OpenAI is a leading artificial intelligence research and deployment company, known for its groundbreaking work in developing and promoting friendly AI. Key products include ChatGPT, an AI chatbot, Sora, a multimedia content generation platform, and an API platform for developers. OpenAI also conducts cutting-edge research and focuses on the safe and ethical deployment of AI technologies. Its influence spans various sectors, making it a highly recognized and utilized entity in the global AI industry.

When Was Multi Acquired?

OpenAI acquired Multi on June 24, 2024. This acquisition aligns with a broader industry trend of integrating AI with collaborative tools and enhancing enterprise solutions. Around this time, OpenAI was actively expanding its technological capabilities through strategic acquisitions, including Rockset, a database provider. The move reflects a growing emphasis on AI-driven productivity and collaboration, positioning OpenAI to further innovate in the AI and enterprise sectors.

Why Was Multi Acquired?

• Market Expansion: OpenAI's acquisition of Multi is a strategic move to broaden its market reach, particularly in the realm of remote collaboration and enterprise solutions. By integrating Multi's advanced collaboration tools, OpenAI aims to enhance its offerings and attract a wider range of corporate clients, including those already using its ChatGPT platform.
• Technology Integration: Multi's innovative features, such as real-time screen sharing, customizable shortcuts, and AI-powered documentation, will be integrated into OpenAI's existing products. This integration is expected to enhance the functionality of tools like ChatGPT, making them more robust and versatile for enterprise use.
• Competitive Advantage: The acquisition of Multi strengthens OpenAI's position against competitors by adding unique collaboration features to its product suite. This move not only enhances OpenAI's enterprise offerings but also brings in experienced talent from Multi, further bolstering its capabilities in the AI and collaboration technology markets.

Acquisition Terms

• Acquisition Price: The acquisition price was not publicly disclosed.
• Payment Method: The payment method was not specified.
• Key Conditions or Agreements:
  • The acquisition is described as an "acqui-hire," meaning most of Multi's five-person team will join OpenAI.
  • Multi will shut down its platform on July 24, 2024, with an option for users to request a one-month extension for data transition.
  • All user data will be deleted on July 24, 2024, unless an extension is requested.
  • Users can export their session notes before the deletion date and can delete their data early if they choose to.
  • Extensions for data retention can be requested via email.

Impact on Multi

The acquisition of Multi by OpenAI has led to significant changes in operations and management. Multi's platform will be shut down on July 24, 2024, and new team signups have already been closed. Most of Multi's five-person team, including co-founder and CEO Alexander Embiricos, will join OpenAI, specifically the ChatGPT desktop team. This transition marks a shift from Multi's independent operations to becoming an integral part of OpenAI's broader strategy to enhance its enterprise solutions, particularly in the realm of remote collaboration and AI-driven productivity tools.

Regarding product offerings, Multi's existing app will be discontinued, and its innovative features, such as real-time screensharing and AI-powered documentation, are expected to be integrated into OpenAI's products like ChatGPT. This move has elicited mixed reactions from employees and customers. While the Multi team expressed excitement about joining OpenAI, some users have voiced concerns about the discontinuation of the app and the deletion of their data. However, the company has provided options for data export and extensions to ease the transition. For founders considering business transitions, tools like Sunset can assist in managing such processes compliantly, ensuring a smoother experience for all stakeholders involved.