OpenAI IPO
OpenAI is the AI company behind ChatGPT, GPT-4, and DALL-E, which have transformed how people interact with artificial intelligence. The company has generated billions in annualized revenue and counts Microsoft as its largest investor and cloud partner. OpenAI is reportedly considering a public offering that could value it at over $100 billion.
Key Facts
| Industry | Artificial Intelligence |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, CA |
| Employees | ~1,700 |
| Website | openai.com |
| Funding | Record-breaking $122 billion funding round closed in March 2026. Previous rounds at $157B valuation. Total raised now exceeds $135B with the latest round representing Silicon Valley's largest-ever funding round. Market speculation suggests potential IPO valuation could approach $1 trillion, with CEO Sam Altman reportedly calling any valuation below $1 trillion a "nonstarter" according to The Motley Fool (July 5, 2026). Revenue has reportedly hit $25 billion annualized as of May 2026 (up from $14 billion previously), though profitability is not expected until 2030. However, leaked 2025 financials published by Quartz on July 4, 2026 show OpenAI posted a $38.5 billion loss, with spending hitting $34 billion last year ahead of the planned IPO. Competitor Anthropic's revenue has reportedly surpassed OpenAI's as of late May 2026, intensifying the IPO race between the two AI giants. Microsoft agreed to a $38 billion revenue cap in mid-May 2026. OpenAI committed to spending more than $20 billion on Cerebras chips and received a stake in the chip startup, which completed its IPO on May 14, 2026. SoftBank secured a $40 billion bridge loan backed by eight banks in April 2026. Fortune reported that Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are competing to lead the IPO, with Bloomberg reporting that OpenAI has discussed adding Citigroup and JPMorgan to its underwriter lineup. |
About OpenAI
OpenAI is the creator of ChatGPT and GPT-4, breakthrough generative AI models that have fundamentally transformed public perception and adoption of artificial intelligence. The company's large language models power applications across content creation, coding assistance, customer service, and knowledge work, making OpenAI one of the most valuable AI companies globally. Beyond consumer applications, OpenAI provides API access to its models, enabling thousands of businesses to integrate advanced AI capabilities into their products and services. The company's rapid scaling from research organization to commercial powerhouse reflects both the transformative potential of generative AI and the intense competition in the AI infrastructure space. OpenAI's partnership with Microsoft and its transition from non-profit to capped-profit structure have positioned it at the center of debates about AI governance, safety, and commercialization.
IPO Status
OpenAI is preparing for its highly anticipated IPO, with growing consensus that the company is leaning toward a 2027 listing rather than 2026. The Motley Fool reported on July 3, 2026 that OpenAI is now considering a 2027 IPO with a potential $1 trillion valuation, while PitchBook (July 2, 2026) and multiple outlets examined the implications of the delay. CEO Sam Altman has reportedly called any IPO valuation below $1 trillion a "nonstarter," signaling the company's ambitious expectations. Barron's reported on July 2, 2026 that OpenAI is considering offering a 5% stake to the U.S. government ahead of its IPO. Despite ongoing debate about timing—with AOL.com (July 5, 2026) and 24/7 Wall St. (July 2, 2026) questioning whether the IPO situation is 'a hot mess or just media noise'—there is no confirmation that OpenAI has formally filed its S-1 with the SEC. The IPO timeline remains under intense scrutiny, with Barron's (July 1, 2026) arguing that OpenAI and Anthropic should 'strike while the iron is hot' and not delay their IPOs, while Investor's Business Daily (July 2, 2026) reported that both companies' roads to IPO are getting bumpier. Yahoo Finance reported on July 3, 2026 that Sam Altman doesn't necessarily need an IPO for capital, but wants the valuation milestone instead. Yahoo Finance and The Motley Fool reported on July 4-5, 2026 that Microsoft could be the biggest winner from OpenAI's planned $1 trillion IPO. Significant challenges persist: leaked 2025 financials published by Quartz on July 4, 2026 show OpenAI posted a $38.5 billion loss, and the company faces a multistate probe into possible user harm. The delay concerns have negatively impacted stocks exposed to OpenAI, including Oracle and SoftBank, with Quartz reporting on July 4, 2026 that SoftBank stock fell on news of the possible IPO delay. Previous reports indicated Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are competing to lead the IPO in what Fortune called a '$7 billion horse race,' with Bloomberg reporting that Citigroup and JPMorgan may join the underwriter lineup.
Competitors
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OpenAI have a stock?
As of early 2026, OpenAI has not officially filed for an IPO, but a public listing is widely expected. The company has been showing strong signals of IPO preparation.
When is the OpenAI IPO date?
No official OpenAI IPO date has been announced yet. The company is expected to go public, but the exact timing depends on market conditions and company readiness.
How can I buy OpenAI stock?
OpenAI is not yet publicly traded. Once the company completes its IPO, you'll be able to buy shares through any major brokerage.
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