OpenAI weighs $1.2 trillion funding round ahead of IPO

OpenAI is reportedly in early discussions with investors about a new funding round that could value the artificial intelligence company at more than $1.2 trillion. The talks, initiated by investors, come as the ChatGPT creator prepares for a potential initial public offering.

Any decision to proceed with the fundraising will depend on the timing of OpenAI's IPO, according to people familiar with the matter. CEO Sam Altman has previously stated that the company's IPO is still planned but will not occur in 2026. Additional funding could provide flexibility to further delay the IPO by one or two quarters.

The capital raise could also support OpenAI's strategy of acquiring startups, including Jony Ive's AI device company io and Astral, which develops Python tools for developers. Such a valuation would also position OpenAI significantly ahead of its competitor Anthropic, which recently raised funds at a $965 billion valuation.

OpenAI is also navigating potential legal restrictions regarding the information it can share with private investors before going public. The Financial Times first reported on these discussions, suggesting that the round would allow existing backers to increase their stakes.