AI giant OpenAI is aiming for a valuation of up to $1 trillion through an initial public offering (IPO) that could begin in the second half of 2026. This could be one of the largest IPOs in history.
According to sources close to the matter, the company plans to raise at least $60 billion initially. However, the figures and timing may change depending on market conditions and growth rate. OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar has communicated the 2027 target to some of its partners, but some consultants predict the process could begin by the end of 2026.
A company spokesperson stated, “An IPO is not our focus right now. Our goal is to ensure that AGI (general artificial intelligence) benefits everyone.”
OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, recently completed a restructuring that reduced its dependence on Microsoft. A potential IPO would create new resources to fund CEO Sam Altman’s trillion-dollar AI infrastructure investments.
While the company’s annual revenue is expected to reach $20 billion by the end of 2025, losses are also reported to be increasing. Altman stated in a live broadcast, “Due to our necessary capital needs, an IPO is the most likely path for us.”
With its new structure, OpenAI is now managed by the non-profit organization OpenAI Foundation.
The foundation owns 26% of the company and will have the right to acquire additional shares when certain targets are met.The potential IPO represents a significant gain for investors such as SoftBank, Thrive Capital, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX. Microsoft’s stake is 27%.
As the AI sector continues to boom, CoreWeave’s $23 billion IPO and Nvidia’s $5 trillion market capitalization make OpenAI’s exit even more critical.
