Key Highlights
- OpenAI is seeking at least $30 billion in new funding at a valuation of about $1.4 trillion, excluding the fresh capital.
- The ChatGPT developer has postponed its planned 2026 initial public offering and will not list this year, CEO Sam Altman said.
- OpenAI’s annualised revenue run rate has surpassed $40 billion, while rival Anthropic is expected to pursue an IPO in November.
OpenAI targets $1.4 trillion valuation in new funding round
OpenAI is seeking at least $30 billion in fresh funding at a valuation of approximately $1.4 trillion, excluding the new capital, Bloomberg reported. The proposed financing would give the ChatGPT developer additional resources ahead of a potential future stock-market listing.
OpenAI most recently raised $122 billion in March at a valuation of $852 billion, including that investment. The latest fundraising target would therefore represent a significant increase in the company’s reported valuation as it continues to invest in artificial intelligence development, products and infrastructure.
Sam Altman delays OpenAI public listing
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the company would not go public this year. He cited heightened concerns about artificial intelligence safety and the difficulty of adapting to increasingly capable AI systems as factors behind the decision to postpone its initial public offering for 2026.
The delay comes as OpenAI’s commercial performance accelerates. The company’s annualised revenue run rate exceeded $40 billion over the summer and has reportedly risen 70% since July, according to Bloomberg. The growth reflects expanding demand for OpenAI’s AI services and continued efforts to broaden its commercial product portfolio.
OpenAI expands commercial AI products as Anthropic prepares IPO
OpenAI is also introducing new commercial offerings, including an always-on AI agent called Dots and a subscription tier priced at $500. These launches form part of the company’s broader expansion as it seeks to convert rising interest in generative AI into recurring business revenue.
Meanwhile, rival AI company Anthropic is expected to go public in November. Its IPO prospectus outlines plans to spend $518 billion on cloud computing and infrastructure. Anthropic’s potential listing could value the company at more than $2 trillion, according to the reported plans.
Why This Matters
OpenAI’s proposed funding round highlights the enormous capital requirements of developing and operating increasingly capable AI systems. The company is pursuing additional financing before an eventual listing while addressing safety concerns and rapidly scaling revenue. Anthropic’s expected IPO could provide another major test of investor appetite for leading AI companies, particularly those facing substantial cloud-computing and infrastructure costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding is OpenAI seeking?
OpenAI is seeking at least $30 billion in fresh funding at an estimated valuation of about $1.4 trillion, excluding the new capital.
When will OpenAI go public?
OpenAI has postponed its initial public offering for 2026. Sam Altman said the company would not go public this year.
What is happening with Anthropic?
Anthropic is expected to pursue an IPO in November. Its prospectus includes plans to spend $518 billion on cloud computing and infrastructure, and the listing could value the company at more than $2 trillion.