The maker of ChatGPT is positioning itself to become one of the world’s most valuable private companies through discussions about an employee share sale that could value OpenAI at half a trillion dollars. This astronomical figure would surpass SpaceX’s current $350 billion valuation, marking a significant milestone in the AI revolution.
Industry insiders suggest that established investors like Thrive Capital are showing keen interest in acquiring shares from OpenAI’s workforce. This secondary market activity reflects the growing confidence in artificial intelligence as a transformative technology sector, with investors eager to increase their stakes in leading AI companies.
The timing of these discussions is particularly strategic, as OpenAI faces mounting pressure from competitors like Meta, which has been actively recruiting top talent with lucrative signing bonuses reportedly reaching $100 million. A successful share sale could provide OpenAI with additional ammunition in the talent retention battle.
Beyond its core AI software business, OpenAI is diversifying into hardware development through its partnership with design legend Jony Ive. The company’s vision of creating AI companions for everyday use represents a bold attempt to bring artificial intelligence into physical form, potentially creating entirely new product categories and revenue streams.