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5d ago

OpenAI in Early Talks for $500 Billion Employee Share Sale

Early negotiations would offer employees the opportunity to sell shares at a nearly $500 billion valuation ahead of a planned public listing

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A view of the OpenAI and SoftBank Group logos on the day of an event to pitch AI for businesses in Tokyo, Japan February 3, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo
OpenAI

Overview

  • OpenAI is conducting early-stage discussions for a secondary share sale that could set its valuation at about $500 billion
  • Thrive Capital is expected to lead the potential round with strong interest from existing backers
  • The deal structure would allow current and former employees to liquidate equity worth several billion dollars
  • The company’s annualized revenue hit $12 billion in July as ChatGPT usage rose to 700 million weekly active users
  • This move follows a $40 billion funding round at a $300 billion valuation in March and an $8.3 billion tranche secured last week