OpenAI has recently opened an office in Bellevue, Washington, in close proximity to its partner, Microsoft. This move allows the AI company to tap into the abundant engineering talent pool in the Seattle area. The new office, which opened a few months ago, follows OpenAI’s massive $6.5 billion funding round and its expansion into New York City, Paris, Brussels, and Singapore, in addition to Seattle. The company is also increasing its headcount at existing offices in San Francisco, London, Dublin, and Tokyo.
As of now, OpenAI has around 80 employees in the Seattle area, with three open roles listed on its careers page. The company’s decision to establish an office in Bellevue showcases its commitment to growing its presence in the region, where it can collaborate closely with Microsoft, its investor and provider of computing power for AI services. By setting up in Bellevue, OpenAI gains access to substantial resources and support from Microsoft, while also contributing to the growing tech ecosystem in the Seattle area.
With the establishment of its Bellevue office, OpenAI joins a growing list of tech companies that have set up satellite engineering offices in the region. The Seattle area has become a hub for tech innovation, attracting over 100 companies to establish a presence there. Despite some companies reducing their office space in Bellevue due to the shift towards hybrid work, others like Snowflake are expanding their footprint in the area. The office vacancy rate in the Seattle area has increased significantly, reaching 20% in the eastside (including Bellevue) and 30% in Seattle in the third quarter.
OpenAI’s decision to open an office in Bellevue aligns with its strategic goals of expanding its operations and leveraging the engineering talent in the Seattle area. The company’s partnership with Microsoft, along with its recent funding round, positions it well to continue its growth and innovation in the AI space. As more tech companies establish a presence in the Seattle area, the region’s tech ecosystem is expected to further thrive and attract top talent and investments. OpenAI’s Bellevue office marks a significant milestone in its journey as a leading AI company.
