lipflip – OpenAI is gearing up for a potential initial public offering (IPO) that could value the company at up to $1 trillion, according to sources familiar with the matter. If successful, this would position OpenAI as one of the largest IPOs in history. The company, known for its cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies like ChatGPT. Is considering filing with securities regulators in the second half of 2026, with some advisors predicting a 2027 listing.
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Preliminary discussions suggest that OpenAI is looking to raise around $60 billion. Though this figure could increase depending on market conditions and business growth. However, the company has cautioned that these plans are still in early stages, and timelines or funding targets may change. OpenAI’s Chief Financial Officer, Sarah Friar, has reportedly discussed aiming for a 2027 IPO. But others predict it could happen even sooner, potentially late 2026. An OpenAI spokesperson emphasized that the company is not focused on an IPO at this time. Prioritizing the development of a sustainable business model and advancing its mission of building artificial general intelligence (AGI) for everyone’s benefit.
OpenAI’s IPO preparations reflect the growing urgency to tap public markets, particularly after the completion of a significant restructuring. This restructuring reduces the company’s reliance on major investor Microsoft. Opening the door for more efficient capital raising and the possibility of larger acquisitions using public stock. The move aligns with CEO Sam Altman’s long-term goal of investing trillions of dollars into AI infrastructure.
OpenAI’s Restructuring and Investor Backing
OpenAI has gone through several structural changes since its founding in 2015. Initially created as a nonprofit, the company shifted to a hybrid model in which a nonprofit oversees a for-profit arm. The goal of the nonprofit was to ensure the responsible development of AI technology, rather than focusing purely on profits.
This week, OpenAI implemented another major structural overhaul. The company remains controlled by the nonprofit, now called the OpenAI Foundation, but the foundation holds a 26% stake in OpenAI Group and has a warrant to acquire more shares upon reaching specific milestones. This new structure ensures that the nonprofit remains a key player in OpenAI’s financial success, reinforcing its original mission of AI safety.
If OpenAI successfully completes its IPO, it will reward several key investors. Notable backers, including SoftBank, Thrive Capital, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX, stand to benefit from the public offering. Microsoft, one of the company’s largest investors, currently owns about 27% of OpenAI after a $13 billion investment.
The IPO announcement comes at a time when AI technologies are surging in value, driving a boom in the public markets. In 2023, AI cloud company CoreWeave went public at a $23 billion valuation and has since seen its stock triple. Meanwhile, Nvidia, a key player in AI hardware, reached a $5 trillion market value, solidifying its dominance in the AI sector. OpenAI’s potential IPO comes as AI continues to transform industries, positioning the company to capitalize on the growing demand for AI technologies and infrastructure.
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The coming months will likely reveal more details about OpenAI’s IPO plans. For now, the company is focused on its ongoing growth, infrastructure development, and long-term vision of AGI. As the IPO approaches, it will be interesting to see how the company navigates the complexities of public markets while staying true to its mission.