Key facts
- OpenAI spent $34 billion last year.
- Approximately $19 billion was spent on research and development.
- Nearly $6 billion was allocated to sales and marketing and other costs.
- The figures are based on audited financial statements.
- The spending occurred in the lead-up to a planned IPO.
OpenAI spent $34 billion last year, with a significant portion allocated to research and development and operational costs, according to audited financial figures reported by the Financial Times. The company reportedly spent approximately $19 billion on research and development and nearly $6 billion on sales and marketing and other expenses.
These figures emerge as OpenAI prepares for a potential initial public offering. While the exact timeline for an IPO remains unconfirmed, reports suggest a window in late 2026 or 2027. The company has achieved substantial user engagement with ChatGPT, boasting over 900 million weekly active users and a monthly revenue run rate of $2 billion. However, projections indicate potential losses of around $14 billion in 2026, with substantial compute and infrastructure agreements extending into the early 2030s.
Recent funding rounds have seen OpenAI's valuation climb, with a March 2026 round valuing the company at $852 billion. Despite its rapid growth and market-defining products, challenges related to its cost structure and competitive landscape persist, with some secondary market trading indicating other firms like Anthropic trading at higher valuations.