Microsoft-backed (MSFT) AI firm OpenAI (PC:OPAIQ) has reached an agreement to acquire Neptune, a startup that builds monitoring and debugging tools used during AI model training. The two companies had already been working together on a metrics dashboard to help teams develop foundation models. With the acquisition, Neptune CEO Piotr Niedźwiedź said that the firms will now be able to work even more closely. He also shared that Neptune will shut down its external services in the coming months. The terms of the deal were not made public.
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OpenAI’s Chief Scientist, Jakub Pachocki, said that Neptune’s tools allow researchers to better understand complex training processes. He added that OpenAI plans to fully integrate Neptune’s system into its own training setup, which helps the company better track how AI models learn. Interestingly, this is just the latest in a string of acquisitions by OpenAI as it builds out its technology and infrastructure.
In fact, earlier this year, OpenAI bought several other companies, including Software Applications Incorporated, a small interface startup, and product development firm Statsig, which it acquired in September for $1.1 billion. It also purchased Jony Ive’s AI hardware startup, io, in May for more than $6 billion. In addition, Neptune had raised over $18 million from investors such as Almaz Capital and TDJ Pitango Ventures.
Is MSFT Stock a Good Buy?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on MSFT stock based on 33 Buys and two Holds assigned in the last three months. Furthermore, the average MSFT price target of $629.98 per share implies 31.9% upside potential.
