OpenAI staff is not happy with company's redesigned logo
What's the story
OpenAI is considering a significant rebranding in 2025 that includes the introduction of a new logo. The proposed design was recently unveiled at an internal meeting, eliciting mixed responses from staff members. The current hexagonal flower symbol associated with ChatGPT's success will be replaced by a large black "O," ring or circle. According to Fortune, this shift in branding strategy has been met with criticism from some employees, who find the new logo lacks creativity and carries an ominous tone.
Design changes
New logo marks departure from original design philosophy
The proposed logo represents a stark contrast to OpenAI's existing one, which was crafted to symbolize "precision, potential, and optimism." The rebranding initiative began a year ago when the company expanded its internal creative and design team. One of the driving factors behind this change is that OpenAI does not own the typefaces used in its current logo and website — they are licensed typefaces created/owned by outside type designers.
Organizational shift
Transition from non-profit to for-profit entity
In addition to the logo change, OpenAI is also planning to modify its complex non-profit corporate structure next year. The organization began as a non-profit with a for-profit arm under its control. However, CEO Sam Altman has informed employees about plans to transition away from this non-profit model, toward becoming a more conventional for-profit company.