OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced that the artificial intelligence company will not proceed with an initial public offering in 2026, describing such a move as currently unwise.
Although OpenAI submitted confidential filings for an IPO earlier this year, following a similar move by rival Anthropic, Altman clarified during an interview with Fortune editor in chief Alyson Shontell that the company is in no hurry. The discussion took place against a backdrop of recent security incidents, including the OpenAI-HuggingFace hack, and broader industry debates regarding AI safety protocols.
When asked if the company still feels compelled to accelerate development due to IPO pressures, Altman pushed back. “We’re not rushing into an IPO,” he said. “I actually think that given everything happening with safety, right now would be an ill-advised moment to go public.”
Altman emphasized that the company intends to go public only when both its business operations and the societal context surrounding the technology are prepared. He confirmed that a 2026 listing is off the table, stating, “We’ve got a lot of stuff to do.”
This stance aligns with earlier reports from The New York Times, which noted in June that OpenAI had engaged bankers and lawyers with hopes of a late-2026 launch. However, the company was already leaning toward 2027 due to volatility in tech stocks and internal financial considerations.
Interesting timing given the recent HuggingFace hack. Public markets hate uncertainty, so they’re right.
I find it hard to trust this timeline. When will they actually feel safe enough?
Good move. Forcing an IPO before safety protocols mature is a recipe for disaster.