OpenAI is preparing for what could become one of the largest stock market debuts in history, with plans for an initial public offering (IPO) that may value the artificial intelligence company at up to US$1 trillion.
A Landmark Offering in the Making
According to reports from Reuters and other financial outlets, OpenAI is laying the groundwork for an IPO as early as late 2026, with a potential listing in 2027. If successful, the offering would place the developer of ChatGPT among the world’s most valuable publicly traded companies, ranking alongside global giants such as Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia.
The company is expected to raise at least US$60 billion through the IPO, though the final figure could rise depending on market conditions and business performance at the time of listing.
Strategic Restructuring and Backers
The move follows a corporate restructuring that shifted OpenAI from its hybrid non-profit model into a fully for-profit entity, enabling it to pursue large-scale capital raising. The IPO would also reduce its reliance on Microsoft, which currently holds an estimated 27% stake after investing more than US$13 billion.
Other major backers include SoftBank, Thrive Capital, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX, all of whom stand to benefit significantly from a public listing.
Financial Performance and Ambitions
OpenAI’s annualized revenue run rate is projected to reach US$20 billion by the end of 2025, driven by surging demand for generative AI tools across enterprise, education, and consumer markets. However, the company is also facing mounting infrastructure costs, with CEO Sam Altman openly discussing the need for trillions of dollars in investment to build the computing power required for next-generation AI systems.
Market and Industry Impact
If OpenAI achieves a US$1 trillion valuation, it would debut as the 12th most valuable company in the world, just below Berkshire Hathaway and above JPMorgan Chase. Analysts say the IPO would not only be a milestone for the company but also a defining moment for the AI sector, cementing its role as a central driver of global markets.
At the same time, questions remain about sustainability, regulation, and competition, with rivals such as Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and Meta investing heavily in their own AI platforms.
Outlook
The IPO is still in the planning stages, with filings expected in the second half of 2026. If market conditions hold, OpenAI’s debut could reshape the technology investment landscape, offering public investors direct exposure to one of the most influential companies in artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
OpenAI’s planned IPO, targeting a valuation of up to US$1 trillion, represents a historic moment for both financial markets and the AI industry. It reflects the extraordinary growth of generative AI while highlighting the immense capital demands of building the infrastructure to sustain it.
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Sources: Reuters; Gizmodo Gizmodo; Blockonomi Blockonomi; IBL News IBL News; TechBooky TechBooky; Yahoo Finance Yahoo Finance.
