AN APPARENT OFFER by OpenAI, made by a company representative, to acquire an Irish teenager\u2019s start-up company at tech accelerator Patch in Dublin last week has caused confusion.<\/p>\n
OpenAI today confirmed that it had not moved to acquire the startup, nor any other project from Patch.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The confusion followed what was taken as a genuine acquisition offer at the conclusion of the seven-week full-time summer programme Patch. The programme \u201cfor exceptional people\u201d aged between 16 and 21 allows participants to explore and build their ideas.<\/p>\n
It receives support from Patrick Collison\u2019s Stripe, OpenAI and investment company Abbey Capital, among others.<\/p>\n
Seventeen-year-old Conall O\u2019Reilly was one participant in the programme. His project\u00a0related to cryptocurrency blockchain Ethereum.<\/p>\n
Former Labour TD Derek Nolan, now OpenAI\u2019s policy and partnerships lead for Ireland and the Nordics, appeared at the close of the programme.<\/p>\n
In a video from the event, Nolan addressed O\u2019Reilly and said, \u201cWe are delighted to say, at OpenAI, we are delighted to offer to acquire your company today.<\/p>\n
\u201cConall, and your plan to create a free, open, decentralised internet \u2013 OpenAI would like to buy your project and take you in-house pretty soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nolan\u2019s announcement was met with cheers from those gathered. He concluded by thanking all of those who took part in the programme.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Reilly also posted to LinkedIn about the apparent offer and included the video of Nolan.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Speaking to The Journal\u00a0this week in response to his LinkedIn post, O\u2019Reilly said\u00a0that he was no longer in a position to speak about the matter. OpenAI then confirmed to The Journal that no acquisition had been made after the event.\u00a0<\/p>\n