OpenAI Raises $6.6B at $157B Valuation, Securing Its Position as a Global AI Leader
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has successfully raised $6.6 billion, reaching a total valuation of $157 billion. This investment round was led by Thrive Capital, making OpenAI one of the most valuable private companies in the world.
Big names such as Altimeter Capital, Fidelity, Khosla Ventures, Microsoft, Nvidia, SoftBank, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX also contributed to the round. Notably, SoftBank’s Vision Fund invested $500 million, though Apple chose not to participate at the last minute.
This funding comes at a time when OpenAI is undergoing several changes, including the departure of key employees and a shift from being a nonprofit to becoming a for-profit benefit corporation. The new funding structure considers these changes, allowing investors to reclaim their money if the transition isn’t completed within two years. It also removes the cap on returns for investors, making the deal more attractive.
OpenAI’s latest round of funding surpasses that of its competitor xAI, Elon Musk’s AI startup, which raised $6 billion in May, valuing it at $24 billion. This makes OpenAI the top player in the generative AI space globally.
By securing this funding, OpenAI continues to solidify its leadership in artificial intelligence.