Once founded as a nonprofit focused on AI safety, OpenAI is now preparing for what could be one of the world’s largest initial public offerings. Reports suggest the ChatGPT developer is targeting a valuation near $1 trillion, with a potential listing in 2026 or 2027.
The company, led by Sam Altman, aims to raise roughly $60 billion to support its massive infrastructure ambitions, including supercomputing hubs designed to advance AI research and production. These plans reflect OpenAI’s transformation from a research organization into a global commercial leader.
Altman reportedly told employees that going public would be the most logical step, given the capital required for growth. He also emphasized that OpenAI’s long-term focus remains on building technology that can benefit all of humanity, rather than simply chasing investor returns.
The company’s latest restructuring marks a major milestone. OpenAI now operates under a “capped-profit” model—still overseen by its nonprofit foundation but structured for greater financial flexibility. Microsoft’s 27% stake in the firm underscores the tech giant’s deep integration into OpenAI’s ecosystem.
As investors debate the sustainability of AI valuations, economists have warned that market optimism could outpace reality. Still, OpenAI’s trajectory suggests it’s shaping up to be one of the defining companies of the decade.