55个员工卖了65亿美元

Core Viewpoint - OpenAI is set to acquire AI hardware company io for nearly $6.5 billion, marking its largest acquisition to date, significantly higher than the previously rumored $500 million valuation [2][3]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition of io, founded by former Apple Chief Design Officer Jony Ive, is expected to be completed soon, allowing early investors to exit [2][7]. - The valuation of io skyrocketed from an initial estimate of $500 million to $6.5 billion within a month, indicating OpenAI's strong commitment to this acquisition [2][3]. - If the deal goes through, it will surpass OpenAI's previous record acquisition of Windsurf at $3 billion [3]. Group 2: Company Background - io was established just a year ago and has already reached a valuation of $6.5 billion, largely due to the star power of its founding team [5]. - Jony Ive, who has a significant legacy at Apple, is known for designing iconic products like the iPhone and iPad, and his influence is expected to drive innovation at io [5][6]. - OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman has expressed admiration for Steve Jobs and has a close relationship with Ive, which has facilitated their collaboration on new product designs [6]. Group 3: Future Product Expectations - io's first product is anticipated to be a new type of AI device that aims to free users from traditional screen limitations, with a planned release in 2026 [9]. - Altman has described this upcoming product as a potential "third core device" for users, following the MacBook and iPhone, with a projected market value increase of up to $1 trillion [9]. Group 4: Strategic Industry Positioning - OpenAI has been actively expanding its hardware and AI application business, including restructuring its robotics department and acquiring teams from other tech companies [10]. - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with other major players like Google and Meta also venturing into hardware, indicating a trend where hardware support is crucial for the success of large AI models [11].