Multi Joins OpenAI: A New Era for Developer Collaboration
In a notable move, OpenAI, the leading artificial intelligence research firm, has acquired Multi Software Co., a promising startup specialising in video-first remote collaboration tools for software development teams. This acquisition signals OpenAI’s continued focus on enhancing its enterprise solutions following its recent purchase of the enterprise analytics company Rockset. Multi, previously known as Remotion, offers a unique videoconferencing platform that blends real-time collaboration with advanced AI tools, making it a valuable addition to OpenAI’s portfolio.
From Remotion to Multi: The Journey of a Promising Startup
Alexander Embiricos, CEO, a Former Dropbox Product Manager who Co-FoundedMulti in 2019 with CTOCharley Ho, a former Google Software Engineer. The platform launched as Remotion but rebranded to Multi in July 2023 to reflect a significant product shift based on user feedback. This shift saw the introduction of new features and the removal of others, aligning the platform more closely with the needs of its enterprise users.
At its core, Multi is designed to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among development teams. The platform, built on Zoom’s infrastructure, supports up to ten users, allowing them to share screens, open applications on each other’s computers, and use an embedded sketching feature to highlight important aspects of their work. One of its standout features is integrating AI tools that can summarise meetings, generate action items, and link to relevant code files, enhancing productivity and reducing the administrative burden on developers.
The Acquisition: A Strategic Move for OpenAI
So much to say, but what matters most? Talking to users and shipping. With that in mind…
I couldn’t be more excited to have joined the ChatGPT desktop team. Send me your feedback and bug reports. DMs open! https://t.co/Nrn94w46ex
OpenAI’s acquisition of Multi is viewed as a strategic “acqui-hire,” a deal where the primary goal is to acquire the talent and expertise of the Multi team rather than just the product itself. This aligns with OpenAI’s broader strategy of integrating advanced AI capabilities into various enterprise solutions. Most of Multi’s five-member team, including co-founders Alexander and Charley, will join OpenAI, bringing their valuable expertise in building collaborative software tools.
In a blog post announcing the acquisition, Alexander expressed excitement about the future: “What if desktop computers were inherently multiplayer? What if the operating system placed people on equal footing with apps? Those were the questions we explored in building Multi.” This visionary approach to collaboration attracted OpenAI to Multi, as it seeks to push the boundaries of how we work with computers.
Impact on Multi’s User Base
As part of the acquisition, Multi will cease operations on July 24, 2024, and all user data will be deleted. Current users have been advised to export their session notes and seek alternative tools. Alexander assured users that the Multi team is committed to assisting them during this transition, stating, “If you need help or more time finding a replacement, email alexander@multi.app. We are happy to suggest alternatives depending on what exactly you love about Multi, and we can also grant extensions on a case-by-case basis.”
Looking Ahead: OpenAI’s Broader Vision
This acquisition is part of a broader vision for OpenAI, which aims to integrate cutting-edge AI capabilities into collaborative and productivity tools. The recent purchase of Rockset, a database provider specialising in fast analytics and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), underscores this ambition. Rockset’s technology is set to enhance OpenAI’s retrieval infrastructure, which is crucial for applications requiring quick data access and processing.
RAG, in particular, is a machine learning technique that allows large language models to incorporate information from external sources, such as a company’s internal applications, into their responses. This capability is vital for OpenAI’s flagship GPT-4 model, which supports RAG and can provide more accurate and contextually relevant outputs.
Conclusion: A New Era of Collaboration
The acquisition of Multi by OpenAI marks a significant step in redefining how we collaborate with and through technology. By integrating Multi’s innovative platform and team into its ecosystem, OpenAI is poised to enhance its enterprise offerings, making AI-driven collaboration tools more intuitive and effective. As we look to the future, the combination of OpenAI’s AI prowess and Multi’s collaborative solutions promises to transform the landscape of software development and beyond, heralding a new era of intelligent, real-time collaboration.
With these strategic acquisitions, OpenAI is expanding its technological capabilities and laying the groundwork for a more interconnected and efficient digital workspace where AI and human collaboration are seamlessly integrated. This move underscores OpenAI’s commitment to pushing the envelope in AI research and application, ensuring that its innovations continue to drive productivity and efficiency in diverse enterprise environments.
