OpenAI is reportedly mapping out an initial public offering that could value the company at a staggering $1 trillion, according to individuals with direct knowledge of the discussions. If finalized, this would place the ChatGPT creator among the most valuable companies ever to hit public markets.
Insiders revealed that the company might submit filings to securities regulators by late 2026. Preliminary conversations suggest potential fundraising could begin around $60 billion, with higher targets depending on market trends and performance. However, they emphasized that these plans remain fluid and could shift with changing economic dynamics.
Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar has reportedly mentioned to colleagues that a 2027 debut is the current target. Some advisers, however, believe OpenAI may accelerate that timeline and launch its IPO as early as late 2026.
When asked for clarification, a spokesperson said OpenAI’s primary focus remains building a sustainable business and ensuring artificial general intelligence benefits humanity. The spokesperson also implied that no formal IPO date has been set.
A Strategic Move Toward Market Independence
The company’s quiet preparation for a public listing underscores its growing desire to access broader capital markets, particularly after completing a structural overhaul that lessened its dependency on Microsoft. Industry observers note that a public offering would not only provide new funding avenues but also allow OpenAI to pursue major acquisitions and infrastructure projects aligned with CEO Sam Altman’s massive AI investment ambitions.
Sources close to the company said that OpenAI’s annualized revenue run rate could reach about $20 billion by the end of the year, even as operational losses continue to climb.
During a livestream event, Altman hinted that going public might be inevitable, acknowledging that the company’s future capital requirements likely make an IPO the most practical route.
From Nonprofit Roots to Corporate Powerhouse
Founded in 2015 as a nonprofit research group, OpenAI initially operated with a mission focused on the safe advancement of artificial intelligence, not financial gains. The organization later adopted a hybrid model, placing its for-profit division under the supervision of a nonprofit entity to maintain ethical oversight.
This week, OpenAI underwent yet another transformation. The nonprofit arm—now known as the OpenAI Foundation—retains a 26% ownership stake in the company’s parent group. It also holds a warrant to acquire additional shares if specific performance goals are achieved, giving the foundation a vested interest in OpenAI’s commercial success.
A successful IPO would deliver enormous rewards for investors such as SoftBank, Thrive Capital, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX. Microsoft, a longtime supporter, has already secured about 27% ownership after investing roughly $13 billion.
Riding the Wave of the AI Market Boom
OpenAI’s rumored IPO plans come amid a period of intense investor enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence. Earlier this year, AI-focused cloud computing company CoreWeave entered the market with a $23 billion valuation—its share price has since nearly tripled. Meanwhile, Nvidia reached an unprecedented $5 trillion market value this week, solidifying its dominance in the AI sector.
Market analysts suggest that if OpenAI does move forward with its IPO, it could become the defining event of the decade, reshaping not just the company’s future but also the trajectory of the broader AI industry.
The Wall Street Journal first revealed that OpenAI’s potential public listing could occur as early as 2027.
