OpenAI, the creator of the popular chatbot ChatGPT, is reportedly gearing up for an initial public offering (IPO) that could value the company at a staggering $1 trillion. The IPO preparations come as the company grapples with significant quarterly losses of potentially as much as $11.5 billion.
According to sources familiar with the matter, OpenAI has discussed raising around $60 billion in preliminary talks, which would translate to a valuation of over $1 trillion if most shares remain private. The final figures and timing will likely be influenced by business growth and market conditions.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the IPO, CEO Sam Altman has stated that going public is "the most likely path for us" given the capital needs that the company will require in the future. This move could provide OpenAI with more efficient access to capital and enable larger acquisitions using public stock, helping to finance Altman's ambitious plans to spend trillions of dollars on AI infrastructure.
However, OpenAI faces an uphill financial battle ahead. The company expects to reach $20 billion in revenue by year-end, but its quarterly losses are substantial. Microsoft, which owns 27% of OpenAI under a new restructuring deal, reported that the company's share of OpenAI losses reduced its net income by $3.1 billion in the quarter that ended September 30.
A successful IPO could represent a significant gain for investors, including Microsoft, SoftBank, Thrive Capital, and Abu Dhabi's MGX. Nevertheless, OpenAI must navigate the challenges ahead and demonstrate its ability to generate consistent revenue and profitability if it hopes to achieve its ambitious goals.
According to sources familiar with the matter, OpenAI has discussed raising around $60 billion in preliminary talks, which would translate to a valuation of over $1 trillion if most shares remain private. The final figures and timing will likely be influenced by business growth and market conditions.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the IPO, CEO Sam Altman has stated that going public is "the most likely path for us" given the capital needs that the company will require in the future. This move could provide OpenAI with more efficient access to capital and enable larger acquisitions using public stock, helping to finance Altman's ambitious plans to spend trillions of dollars on AI infrastructure.
However, OpenAI faces an uphill financial battle ahead. The company expects to reach $20 billion in revenue by year-end, but its quarterly losses are substantial. Microsoft, which owns 27% of OpenAI under a new restructuring deal, reported that the company's share of OpenAI losses reduced its net income by $3.1 billion in the quarter that ended September 30.
A successful IPO could represent a significant gain for investors, including Microsoft, SoftBank, Thrive Capital, and Abu Dhabi's MGX. Nevertheless, OpenAI must navigate the challenges ahead and demonstrate its ability to generate consistent revenue and profitability if it hopes to achieve its ambitious goals.