** Shares of enterprise artificial intelligence software provider C3 AI AI.N slip 3.4% to $15.53 premarket
** C3 explores potential sale, after founder Thomas Siebel stepped down, Reuters exclusively reports, citing people familiar with matter
** Sales process is in its early stages and other options are on the table, including raising funds from private investors, according to the report
** Co provides platform for customers such as Shell and U.S. Air Force to develop and operate large-scale AI applications
** C3 has market value of $2.22 bln - LSEG data
** Up to last close, stock had fallen ~53% this year
(Reporting by Arnav Mishra in Bengaluru)
((Arnav.Mishra@thomsonreuters.com;))