[Microsoft Seeks to Acquire AI Companies to Reduce Dependence on OpenAI] Reported by Jinse Finance, on May 14, according to foreign media, insiders revealed that Microsoft (MSFT.O) is seeking to acquire AI startups in preparation to reduce its reliance on OpenAI, a once-critical partner. The potential acquisition would help Microsoft stockpile AI talent and advance its previously stated goal of developing an advanced AI model by next year. Insiders stated that earlier this spring, Microsoft considered acquiring the code-generation startup Cursor. However, due to internal evaluations suggesting that the deal might face regulatory hurdles because of Microsoft's ownership of GitHub Copilot, the company ultimately abandoned the plan. Microsoft is currently in negotiations with Inception, a small startup founded by a Stanford University team that specializes in developing large language models using a technology called "diffusion." Microsoft's venture capital fund, M12, participated in Inception's $50 million seed round financing at the end of 2025. Microsoft faces strong competition from other tech giants in the bidding process, particularly SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk. Insiders revealed that SpaceX has also approached Inception.