OpenAI IPO soon? Yes
The artificial intelligence race may be about to hit the stock market in spectacular fashion. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) that could value the company at an unprecedented $1 trillion.
If successful, this would rank among the largest IPOs in history, rivaling the most valuable public debuts of the past decade.
According to a Reuters report citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, OpenAI could file its IPO paperwork with U.S. regulators by late 2026 or early 2027.
Discussions remain at an early stage, but insiders suggest the company may look to raise at least $60 billion initially, with the final figure potentially much higher depending on market appetite and business performance.
Investors Are Asking: Is the OpenAI IPO Soon?
OpenAI’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Founded in 2015 as a nonprofit with the mission of ensuring artificial intelligence is developed safely, the company has transformed into a global AI powerhouse.
The launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 turned OpenAI into a household name. Today, millions of users from students and professionals to corporations rely on its AI tools. Against this backdrop, the idea of an OpenAI IPO soon has captured investors’ imaginations, especially given the firm’s potential to reshape entire industries.
A trillion-dollar valuation would place OpenAI in the same league as tech giants Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. It would also mark one of the boldest bets yet on the future of AI.
Official Statement: “IPO Is Not Our Focus”
Even with growing buzz, OpenAI has remained careful in its public messaging. An official spokesperson dismissed speculation of an imminent listing, saying: “An IPO is not our focus, so we could not possibly have set a date. We are building a durable business and advancing our mission so everyone benefits from AGI.”
Yet, behind the scenes, insiders suggest momentum is building. Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar has reportedly indicated that 2027 is a target for listing. Others believe the IPO could arrive sooner, perhaps before the end of 2026.
Microsoft’s Stake and the Path to OpenAI IPO
The idea of an OpenAI IPO soon also raises questions about Microsoft’s involvement. The tech giant has invested approximately $13 billion, giving it a 27% stake in OpenAI.
Microsoft has already reaped benefits, embedding ChatGPT and OpenAI’s models across its Office suite, Windows ecosystem, and Azure cloud. If OpenAI goes public, it could provide Microsoft with additional gains while freeing OpenAI to pursue even larger capital-raising opportunities.
Revenue Growth, High Costs, and Capital Needs
A key driver behind speculation of an OpenAI IPO soon lies in the company’s financials. Insiders project that OpenAI’s annualized revenue run rate will approach $20 billion by the end of 2025. This growth is staggering for a company still relatively young in its commercial journey.
But costs remain high. Training and deploying advanced AI models requires massive computing power, and with it, massive expenses. Despite reports suggesting a private valuation near $500 billion, OpenAI continues to record significant losses.
CEO Sam Altman has acknowledged the challenge directly. During a recent livestream, he remarked: “I think it’s fair to say it is the most likely path for us, given the capital needs that we’ll have.”
OpenAI Restructuring Clears Way for IPO
Before whispers of an OpenAI IPO soon could become reality, the company had to undergo significant structural changes.
Originally founded as a nonprofit, OpenAI restructured in 2019 to create a for-profit division overseen by the nonprofit parent. More recently, the organization made another move: the OpenAI Foundation now holds a 26% stake in OpenAI Group, with the potential to acquire more shares as milestones are met.
This restructuring allows OpenAI to raise funds at scale while ensuring its nonprofit mission developing AI safely and responsibly remains central to its governance.
AI Market Boom Adds Momentum to OpenAI IPO Buzz
The timing of an OpenAI IPO soon also reflects broader investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence. The AI sector has become one of the hottest corners of global financial markets, drawing billions in investment.
Earlier this year, AI cloud provider CoreWeave went public at a $23 billion valuation, which has since nearly tripled. Meanwhile, chipmaker Nvidia recently crossed the $5 trillion market capitalization mark, cementing its dominance in the AI infrastructure race.
For OpenAI, entering the public markets in this climate could maximize investor demand and position the company as a centerpiece of the AI boom.
What an OpenAI IPO Could Mean for the Future
While excitement runs high, questions remain. Market conditions in 2026–2027 could shift dramatically, and investor appetite for massive tech IPOs can swing from euphoric to cautious in a matter of months.
Still, an OpenAI IPO soon would represent a defining moment not just for the company but for the AI industry as a whole. It could provide OpenAI with the resources to scale up its infrastructure, expand global operations, and pursue new breakthroughs.
As one industry insider told Reuters, “If OpenAI does list at a trillion-dollar valuation, it will not only redefine the AI landscape but also rewrite the playbook for tech IPOs in the 21st century.”
For now, all eyes are on Sam Altman and his leadership team. Whether in late 2026 or early 2027, the day OpenAI rings the bell on Wall Street may become one of the most anticipated financial events of the decade.
