OpenAI Backs OpenClaw Foundation As Founder Peter Steinberger Joins Company To Build Next-Gen Personal Agents

In a move signaling a commitment to open development, OpenAI has welcomed Peter Steinberger, the founder of OpenClaw, into the company. Simultaneously, the popular AI agent is being transitioned under a foundation structure designed to maintain its open-source nature and community-led governance.

Rather than acquiring or discontinuing the project, OpenAI will continue to support and fund it, creating a hybrid model that blends corporate backing with community oversight. CEO Sam Altman confirmed the decision, stating, “Peter Steinberger is joining OpenAI to drive the next generation of personal agents,” and added that “OpenClaw will live in a foundation as an open source project that OpenAI will continue to support.” Source

From Clawdbot to OpenClaw: A Rapid Rise

Previously known as Clawdbot and then Moltbot, OpenClaw has quickly gained traction as a personal AI assistant. It’s capable of autonomously handling tasks such as email management, interacting with insurance providers, checking in for flights, and managing various administrative duties. Source

The project has experienced rapid adoption, amassing over 100,000 stars on GitHub and attracting two million visitors within a single week of its November launch. Source

Addressing Security Concerns

The rapid growth of OpenClaw hasn’t been without scrutiny. China’s industry ministry has cautioned that improperly configured open-source agents could potentially expose users to cyberattacks and data breaches. Source

Steinberger’s Vision for the Future

Steinberger emphasized the importance of maintaining OpenClaw’s open-source status and fostering its freedom to evolve. “It’s always been important to me that OpenClaw stays open source and given the freedom to flourish. I felt OpenAI was the best place to continue pushing on my vision and expand its reach,” he stated. Source

Altman highlighted Steinberger’s expertise, describing him as “a genius with a lot of amazing ideas about the future of very smart agents interacting with each other to do very useful things for people.” Source OpenAI anticipates that Steinberger’s operate will quickly become integral to its product offerings. Source