OpenAI is close to finalizing the initial stage of a new capital raise that is projected to generate more than $100 billion, according to people briefed on the situation. The financing, if completed as described, would imply a post-money valuation for the ChatGPT creator north of $850 billion while its pre-funding valuation would remain roughly $730 billion.
The size of the planned round would be unprecedented in the startup world and comes as OpenAI prepares what it describes as a massive expansion of AI infrastructure. Company plans referenced in reporting anticipate multitrillion-dollar spending on infrastructure over the coming decade to support model development and deployment.
Earlier information has named several major technology firms as participants in the fundraising, with Microsoft, NVIDIA and Amazon among those listed. The involvement of these firms has been cited in the context of the broader capital-raising effort but specific commitments and allocation details have not been disclosed in the reporting.
Industry observers and company projections referenced in reporting point to steep costs for training and developing large AI models - expenditures that have contributed to OpenAI operating in loss-making territory over recent years. The expected capital infusion is intended in part to help the company manage those costs as it scales.
Public projections cited in reporting indicate OpenAI is likely to remain unprofitable through at least 2029, even as revenue is forecast to grow sharply in the coming years. Separately, recent reports have suggested the company could pursue an initial public offering as soon as the end of 2026.
The combination of an exceptionally large private raise, planned multitrillion-dollar infrastructure spending and a potential IPO timeline places OpenAI at the intersection of significant capital markets activity, cloud and AI infrastructure demand, and semiconductor consumption patterns tied to AI computing needs.
Summary of reported facts:
- First phase of a funding round is close to completion and expected to raise over $100 billion.
- Potential post-money valuation could exceed $850 billion while pre-funding valuation remains about $730 billion.
- Major technology firms named in earlier reports include Microsoft, NVIDIA and Amazon as participants.