OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is reportedly in preliminary discussions to raise a new round of funding, targeting a valuation at or above $100 billion. If successful, this move would solidify OpenAI as one of the world’s most valuable startups, positioning it as the second-most-valuable in the U.S., following SpaceX.
Investors have been engaged in early talks, though details such as terms, valuation, and timing are yet to be finalized and may undergo changes. The funding, if realized, is expected to position OpenAI as a significant player in the AI landscape, reflecting the enthusiasm sparked by its ChatGPT release a year ago.
OpenAI is also set to conclude a separate tender offer in January, allowing employees to sell shares at an $86 billion valuation, led by Thrive Capital. Additionally, the company has explored funding discussions for a chip venture, named Tigris, with G42, seeking between $8 billion and $10 billion. The goal is to compete with Nvidia in the artificial intelligence tasks semiconductor market.
Despite recent leadership tumult, including the brief removal of CEO Sam Altman, OpenAI aims to reassure customers of its focus on product development, signaling a commitment to navigating challenges and capitalizing on the growing interest in artificial intelligence technologies.
