OpenAI Slams Robinhood's 'Stock Tokens', Warns Investors of Unauthorized Offer

In a stark public rebuke, AI powerhouse OpenAI has disavowed any involvement with Robinhood's newly launched "OpenAI stock tokens," explicitly stating it has not partnered with them.

The controversy erupted after Robinhood announced it would be offering tokenized versions of shares in several private companies, like Tesla and Apple. However, when OpenAI’s name appeared, it sparked speculation about whether people could acquire a stake in OpenAI’s equity in the European Union.

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, then moved swiftly to distance itself from the product, raising serious questions about the nature of these tokens. In a strongly worded statement posted on the OpenAI newsroom account on X, OpenAI clarified its position, leaving no room for ambiguity.

These “OpenAI tokens” are not OpenAI equity. We did not partner with Robinhood, were not involved in this, and do not endorse it. Any transfer of OpenAI equity requires our approval—we did not approve any transfer.

Please be careful.

— OpenAI Newsroom (@OpenAINewsroom) July 2, 2025

In response to the fallout, Robinhood has clarified that the tokens are not direct shares but rather "tokenized contracts" that provide investors with exposure to the value of private companies through Blockchain. The trading platform asserts that this offering represents a step towards democratizing access to previously inaccessible investment opportunities in the private market.

But OpenAI’s sharp rebuke is a reminder that it’s easy to see how an everyday investor could get lost in the tokenized asset market. An "OpenAI stock token" sounded like a stock in OpenAI. However, the company's warning shot serves as a lesson: even when you see a trusted name, you must be extra cautious.