OpenAI Targets $1.2T Valuation in Major Funding Push

OpenAI is expected to pursue another funding round as it looks to push its valuation beyond the $1 trillion mark.

The Financial Times reported that the global AI company has recently held discussions with several major investors over a potential injection of fresh capital into the business.

Reports indicate that securing the new funding could value OpenAI at around $1.2 trillion.

However, the discussions are understood to remain at an early stage, with investors reportedly initiating the talks rather than OpenAI.

In March, OpenAI completed a funding round that secured $122 billion in committed capital.

The fundraising valued the company at approximately $852 billion, underscoring the scale of investor interest in the AI sector.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has ruled out taking the company public in 2026.

There had been significant expectations on Wall Street that the ChatGPT creator could pursue an IPO, but Altman has publicly said that a listing will not take place this year.

Altman has pointed to AI safety and governance considerations as key factors behind the decision to delay a potential IPO.

The launch and rapid adoption of ChatGPT have helped bring artificial intelligence to a mass audience, with AI increasingly influencing businesses, industries and wider society.

At a geopolitical level, governments are competing to strengthen their positions in AI, with advanced artificial intelligence increasingly viewed as strategically important to economic growth and national security.

At the same time, concerns over the risks associated with the technology remain. Those concerns were further highlighted by claims from an Anthropic whistleblower that AI could ultimately pose an existential threat to humanity.

OpenAI and Anthropic have both called for stronger regulation of artificial intelligence, arguing that appropriate safeguards are needed to support the safe development of the technology while addressing security and misuse risks.

Anthropic is expected to begin preparations for an initial public offering in mid-October.

Earlier this month, Reuters reported that the AI company, which has faced tensions with the Trump administration, aims to complete its listing days before the US midterm elections in November.