OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is reportedly exploring a significant internal share sale that could catapult the company’s valuation to the $500 billion mark — a striking leap that would place the AI startup among the world’s most valuable private tech firms.
According to Bloomberg, which cited sources familiar with the situation, OpenAI is in early discussions about a secondary share sale for current and former employees. This would allow them to cash out some of their equity, with major backers like Thrive Capital potentially stepping in as buyers. Neither OpenAI nor Thrive have publicly commented.
If executed, this move would increase OpenAI’s valuation by roughly 67% from the $300 billion mark it reached during its $40 billion funding round led by SoftBank in March 2025. It’s a signal of growing confidence in the company’s long-term potential — even amidst a rapidly evolving and highly competitive AI landscape.
This internal liquidity event also comes at a critical time for OpenAI. The company has experienced high-profile staff departures, with top researchers being poached by rivals like Meta — which has been luring talent through aggressive compensation packages. By offering employees a new opportunity to monetise their equity, OpenAI may be aiming to enhance retention and reaffirm internal confidence.
Financial momentum also seems to be on OpenAI’s side. The company recently closed the second tranche of its $40 billion raise, bringing in an additional $8.3 billion. It continues to ship new AI models, including a pair of open-weight systems optimised for consumer hardware — and the much-anticipated GPT-5 is reportedly on the way.
Still, big questions loom. Internally, debates continue over OpenAI’s hybrid structure as a capped-profit entity. Externally, its strategic alignment with Microsoft — a cornerstone investor and infrastructure partner — is under review, as the two renegotiate their long-term arrangement set to end in 2030.
User growth figures paint a powerful story: ChatGPT is projected to hit 700 million weekly active users this week, up from 500 million in March 2025. Daily message volume has crossed 3 billion — a staggering metric that highlights both scale and engagement.
The broader message is clear: OpenAI is not just evolving as a technology company, but as a financial and strategic force shaping the future of artificial intelligence. And its $500 billion ambition is less about a headline number — and more about solidifying a position at the heart of AI’s next era.
Partner With Us
Want to feature your brand, business, or service on 365247 — Whether you’re looking to sponsor, collaborate, or build presence within our ecosystem, we’d love to explore it with you.
Submit your Interest Here
