<div id="readability-page-1"><p>Microsoft's (MSFT) shares edged higher early Thursday following a <em>Reuters </em>report that the U.S. tech giant is looking to widen its artificial intelligence bet beyond OpenAI. The Redmond, Washington-based company is considering acquiring several AI startups, including AI model developer Inception, insider sources told the outlet.</p><h3>Claim 55% Off TipRanks</h3><ul><li>Unlock  hedge fund-level data  and  powerful investing tools  for smarter, sharper decisions  </li><li> Discover top-performing stock ideas and upgrade to a portfolio of market leaders with  Smart Investor Picks  </li></ul> <p>The reports come weeks after Microsoft ended its exclusive revenue-sharing agreement with OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT and the startup that fueled the boom in generative AI. Days earlier, reports also emerged that Microsoft had agreed to cap its revenue-sharing payments to OpenAI at $38 billion. </p> <p>Since OpenAI was established in December 2015, Microsoft has pumped more than $100 billion into the startup through their partnership, according to a new testimony from Microsoft deals executive Michael Wetter. In October last year, it took a $135 billion, or 27%, stake in OpenAI as the company transitioned to a for-profit business model.</p> <p>However, Microsoft's relationship with OpenAI — one of the most closely-watched AI tie-ups in the industry — has not been without its challenges. The latest has been the startup's efforts to secure a $50 billion investment from Amazon (AMZN), the e-commerce giant and a cloud services rival to Microsoft.</p> </div>

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<p>Microsoft (MSFT) is reportedly looking to expand its artificial intelligence investments beyond OpenAI, considering acquisitions of several AI startups, including Inception. This follows the end of its exclusive revenue-sharing agreement with OpenAI and a cap on payments to the startup at $38 billion. Microsoft has invested over $100 billion in OpenAI since its inception, holding a 27% stake as it transitioned to a for-profit model. The partnership has faced challenges, including OpenAI's pursuit of a $50 billion investment from Amazon.</p>

- Microsoft's shares increased after a report revealed the company is seeking to expand its artificial intelligence investments beyond OpenAI.  
- The tech giant is considering acquiring several AI startups, including Inception, following the end of its exclusive revenue-sharing agreement with OpenAI.  
- Microsoft has invested over $100 billion into OpenAI since 2015 and recently capped its revenue-sharing payments to the startup at $38 billion amid ongoing challenges in their partnership.

End of the Road? Microsoft (MSFT) May Be Casting Its AI Net Beyond OpenAI