OpenAI Investors Propose New Funding Round at $1.2 Trillion Valuation

Investors have reached out to OpenAI with proposals for a fresh capital raise, according to multiple sources speaking to CNBC. Despite these overtures, the artificial intelligence firm is not actively participating in negotiations, the individuals said.

Some backers are reportedly advocating for a valuation of $1.2 trillion, positioning the potential investment as an opportunity for employees to liquidate portions of their equity stakes. These discussions remain preliminary, and OpenAI has declined to comment on the reports, which were initially disclosed by the Financial Times.

This development follows OpenAI’s massive $122 billion fundraising effort in March, which established the company’s worth at $852 billion. Since the mainstream launch of its ChatGPT chatbot in 2022, OpenAI has rapidly grown into one of the most valuable private enterprises globally.

The company is currently preparing for a highly anticipated initial public offering, widely expected to occur next year. OpenAI confidentially submitted its prospectus to the Securities and Exchange Commission back in June. Sarah Friar, OpenAI’s chief financial officer, recently informed staff during an all-hands meeting that the organization anticipates going public in 2027, though she noted the timeline could accelerate if business momentum continues to strengthen.

The potential funding round comes amid broader industry debates regarding AI safety and regulation, with prominent figures such as Elon Musk urging increased testing among major AI laboratories and Chinese tech firms.