💡 Major Internal Share Sale in the Works
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is reportedly exploring a massive internal share sale that could push its valuation to an eye-watering $500 billion. According to sources close to the matter, this potential move would allow employees to sell their shares to external investors, offering liquidity to early stakeholders while avoiding the public markets for now.
📈 Skyrocketing Valuation Fueled by AI Boom
This potential leap in valuation would nearly double OpenAI’s $275 billion mark set in its last tender offer in early 2024. The AI research lab has rapidly transformed into one of the world’s most valuable startups, largely driven by the global adoption of its generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, Codex, and DALL·E.
🔁 Strategic Shift from IPO to Tender Offer
Rather than opting for a traditional IPO, OpenAI has leaned into recurring private share sales to allow employee liquidity while maintaining strategic control. This move signals high investor confidence in OpenAI’s long-term dominance in the artificial intelligence race—especially as competitors like Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and Meta ramp up their AI efforts.
💬 No Official Confirmation Yet
As of now, OpenAI has not officially confirmed any share sale or valuation. However, insiders suggest that discussions with investors are ongoing and that a formal offer could emerge later this year, depending on market conditions and internal board approval.
🧠 Microsoft’s Stake Adds Weight
Microsoft, which has invested over $13 billion into OpenAI, continues to be a key partner and stakeholder. Analysts believe that Microsoft’s backing, along with OpenAI’s subscription-based revenue model through ChatGPT and API services, significantly boosts investor interest in the company’s long-term valuation.