OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is once again at the center of major investor interest as current and former employees consider selling up to $6 billion worth of shares. If completed, the transaction would push OpenAI’s valuation to around $500 billion — a sharp jump from its most recent $300 billion level.
The move signals not only the company’s explosive revenue growth but also the escalating demand for artificial intelligence assets among global investors. SoftBank, Thrive Capital, and Dragoneer Investment Group — all existing OpenAI backers — are reported to be part of the discussions. While talks remain at an early stage, the potential deal highlights the liquidity appetite for OpenAI equity in the private market.
Why it Matters
OpenAI’s rapid ascent is being fueled by two core dynamics:
- Revenue Growth: The company has doubled revenues in the first seven months of this year, with an annualized run rate of $12 billion, and is projected to hit $20 billion by year-end.
- User Base Expansion: Weekly active users of ChatGPT have surged to approximately 700 million, up from 400 million earlier this year.
For investors, these metrics justify a premium valuation — and reinforce OpenAI’s position as a central player in the global AI race.
Strategic Context
SoftBank’s involvement is especially notable. Beyond its potential participation in this secondary sale, the firm previously led OpenAI’s $40 billion primary funding round, signaling long-term commitment to AI infrastructure and applications. Microsoft, another cornerstone partner, continues to support OpenAI with both investment and integration across its ecosystem.
The planned share sale also raises broader questions: How sustainable is OpenAI’s growth trajectory, and can it maintain its lead as competitors accelerate their own AI models?
The Bigger Picture
A $500 billion valuation would place OpenAI among the world’s most valuable private companies — aligning it with Big Tech powerhouses and signaling how integral AI has become to future global economic growth. If executed, the deal would also mark one of the largest liquidity events in the technology sector this year.
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IMAGE: Reuters
