Airbnb CEO Chesky backs Altman, then builds rival AI lab

Brian Chesky has long played the role of an AI power broker. After meeting Sam Altman through Y Combinator in 2006, he became a trusted adviser on navigating OpenAI’s explosive growth and even helped orchestrate Altman’s comeback after the board ousted him in November 2023. At one point, Chesky was reportedly under consideration for a seat on OpenAI’s board. But now, the Airbnb CEO is shifting from ally to competitor.

Chesky is building a rival AI research lab, directly challenging the very organization he once helped stabilize. The move marks a dramatic pivot for the executive, who has spent years positioning himself as a key figure in the AI ecosystem. His new venture signals that he sees a gap in the market , or perhaps believes he can build something more aligned with his own vision.

The lab’s exact focus remains under wraps, but the decision underscores a growing trend: tech leaders who once partnered with or invested in AI giants are now launching their own initiatives. For Chesky, this represents both a personal and professional gamble. He has publicly praised Altman’s leadership and OpenAI’s mission, yet his actions suggest he wants a hand in shaping the technology’s future on his own terms.

As the AI arms race intensifies, Chesky’s move adds another layer of complexity. The line between collaboration and competition continues to blur, and the fallout from this split could reshape alliances across Silicon Valley.