Prime Highlights
- OpenAI is preparing for one of the largest public listings in history, targeting a potential valuation of up to USD 1 trillionas it seeks to expand its AI capabilities.
- CEO Sam Altmansaid an IPO is likely the next step to secure capital for the company’s ambitious global AI growth plans.
Key Facts
- OpenAI is currently valued at USD 500 billionand aims to reach USD 20 billion in annual revenue by the end of the year.
- Microsoft holds a 27% stakein OpenAI after investing USD 13 billion, while the OpenAI Foundation now oversees 26% ownership under a new structure.
Background
OpenAI is preparing for one of the biggest public listings in history, with a potential valuation of up to USD 1 trillion, according to people familiar with the matter. The company is considering filing for an initial public offering (IPO) with securities regulators as early as the second half of 2026, though some advisers believe it could happen by 2027.
The plan marks a new phase for OpenAI as it looks to secure a much larger pool of capital to support CEO Sam Altman’s ambitious AI expansion plans. Early discussions suggest the company could raise at least USD 60 billion, though that number could grow based on business performance and market conditions.
OpenAI recently completed a complex restructuring aimed at reducing its reliance on Microsoft, which currently owns about 27% of the company after investing USD 13 billion. The new structure puts oversight under the OpenAI Foundation, a nonprofit that now holds a 26% stake and can gain more shares if certain goals are met.
In a recent livestream, Altman mentioned that an IPO is probably the most likely route for the company, considering its future capital requirements.
OpenAI is now valued at USD 500 billion and expects to make USD 20 billion in annual revenue by the end of the year. This comes after a surge in AI-related market activity, including CoreWeave going public with a $23 billion IPO and Nvidia’s market value reaching $5 trillion this week.
