OpenAI Seeks $30 Billion at $1.4 Trillion Valuation Before IPO
OpenAI is discussing a $30 billion bridge round at a $1.4 trillion valuation after delaying its 2026 IPO to prioritize AI safety before its public debut.
Summary
On September 29, 2026, OpenAI was discussing a pre-IPO funding round of at least $30 billion at a roughly $1.4 trillion valuation. If completed, the round would bridge the ChatGPT maker to its anticipated 2027 public debut. Investors remain eager as a coding refocus helped lift run-rate revenue 70% since July to $40 billion in August, after Anthropic briefly outpaced OpenAI early in 2026. OpenAI did not comment.
OpenAI previously raised $122 billion in March 2026 at an $852 billion valuation, in what was intended to be its final private round before an IPO then expected in 2026. CEO Sam Altman has since ruled out a 2026 listing to prioritize AI safety, calling even a roughly 10% chance of killing everybody by the decade’s end unacceptable after researchers warned that AI could pose an existential risk.
Positives
- Run-rate revenue reached $40 billion in August after rising 70% since July.
- OpenAI’s refocus on coding restored momentum after Anthropic briefly moved ahead early in 2026.
- Investors remain eager to fund OpenAI before its anticipated 2027 public market debut.
- At least $30 billion in proposed financing could bridge OpenAI from private funding to an IPO.
- OpenAI previously secured $122 billion in March 2026 at an $852 billion valuation.
Risks & concerns
- OpenAI’s IPO, previously expected in 2026, has been delayed until at least 2027.
- The proposed $30 billion round remains under discussion and may not be completed.
- Anthropic briefly outpaced OpenAI at the beginning of 2026.
- Sam Altman cited an unacceptable roughly 10% chance of AI killing everybody by the decade’s end.
- OpenAI did not comment on the fundraising talks.