OpenAI acquires presentation tool NextSlide, team joins ChatGPT development
The acquisition of NextSlide, a startup that converts documents into editable slides, marks another step in OpenAI’s strategy to integrate specialised AI capabilities into its core products.
OpenAI has acquired NextSlide, a startup specialising in converting prompts, notes, and documents into polished, editable presentations. The deal was completed earlier this year, with the public announcement made on 8 August 2026. Founder Ahmed Beshry noted that the timing of the disclosure was delayed, stating the announcement is “a few months late” to account for the discrepancy between the transaction date and the public reveal.
NextSlide’s product allows users to transform raw text, research, or notes into structured visual formats. Beshry described the tool’s mission as making visual communication more accessible and helping users express their ideas clearly. By joining OpenAI, the NextSlide team aims to continue this mission, focusing on building AI products that facilitate creation and meaningful work.
The acquisition aligns with OpenAI’s broader strategy of integrating specialised artificial intelligence tools into its core ecosystem. While the specific technical scope of the integration remains unverified by independent sources, Beshry confirmed that NextSlide’s team members are now working on ChatGPT. This move suggests a push to enhance the platform’s ability to handle complex visual and structural data tasks.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. The deal follows a pattern of activity for Beshry, who previously co-founded Caper AI, a smart cart and cashier-less checkout startup. Caper AI was acquired by Instacart in 2021, marking Beshry’s second notable exit in the technology sector before leading NextSlide.
The delayed nature of the announcement has not been attributed to specific regulatory or internal processes, with Beshry simply citing the timing as late. As the NextSlide team integrates into OpenAI, the focus remains on how these capabilities will be deployed within ChatGPT to support users in creating and communicating ideas more effectively.
