OpenAI Might Be Preparing for $1 Trillion Stock Market Float

Listen to This Article

The company behind ChatGPT may go public with a $1 trillion valuation. Here’s the latest on OpenAI's potential IPO: Is this for the for-profit shift, and infrastructure plans?

OpenAI, the AI giant behind some of the most advanced models in artificial intelligence, is reportedly preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) that could value the company at a staggering $1 trillion. If successful, it would mark one of the largest IPOs in history, at par with the likes of tech titans such as Apple and Microsoft.

The AI powerhouse is considering filing for an IPO as soon as the second half of 2026. The company is believed to be looking to raise at least $60bn from the float.

This anticipated IPO could serve as a major milestone not just for OpenAI but for the AI industry as a whole. It’s a signal that the potential of AI is finally being recognized on Wall Street in a way it hasn’t been before.

$1 trillion valuation for an AI company? While ambitious, it is not entirely out of reach.

OpenAI's market potential stems from its highly profitable business models. Plus, its partnerships and investments from tech heavyweights like Microsoft, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI services.

Altman has also openly discussed the need to raise "trillions of dollars" to build out the vast infrastructure, from datacentres to other critical components, required for the rapid development of its advanced AI models.

During a recent staff livestream, Altman reportedly confirmed an IPO is the "most likely path" for the company, given its immense "capital needs."

This news follows OpenAI's completion of a lengthy restructuring process just this week, which converted its main business into a for-profit corporation. While the entity is still technically controlled by its original non-profit parent, the move is a clear signal that it is laying the groundwork to raise capital and pursue a public listing.

That restructuring gave key partner Microsoft a stake of about 27% in the new for-profit arm, which was valued at $500bn at the time.

A Company Thriving For Its Mission…or an IPO?

Despite the explosive reports, OpenAI has officially downplayed the imminence of a public float.

“An IPO is not our focus, so we could not possibly have set a date,” an OpenAI spokesperson stated. “We are building a durable business and advancing our mission so everyone benefits from AGI (artificial general intelligence).”

The staggering $1 trillion valuation is already stoking fears that the AI industry is overheating and operating in a bubble. An IPO of this magnitude will undoubtedly test the market's true appetite for the AI revolution!