OpenAI is reportedly in the early stages of discussions to secure additional funding, aiming for a valuation of $100 billion or higher, Bloomberg reported on Friday.
The specific terms, valuation, and timing of this potential funding round remain fluid and subject to change.
Additionally, OpenAI is said to be exploring funding options for a new chip venture in collaboration with G42, a company based in Abu Dhabi. The report does not definitively connect the chip venture funding with the broader financing of OpenAI, but discussions with G42 are speculated to involve a funding range of $8 billion to $10 billion.
OpenAI is currently in the process of finalizing a separate tender offer, led by Thrive Capital, scheduled for completion in early January. This move would enable employees to sell shares at a valuation of $86 billion.
Microsoft has previously committed to investing over $10 billion in OpenAI, a move that followed OpenAI’s introduction of ChatGPT, sparking widespread interest in generative artificial intelligence in November 2022. Microsoft declined to comment when approached by Reuters, and OpenAI has not responded to requests for comment.
ChatGPT, the company’s chatbot capable of generating human-like responses, has significantly contributed to OpenAI’s popularity and a substantial increase in its valuation. The company had previously conducted a $300 million share sale at a valuation of $30 billion.
In late November, OpenAI experienced leadership changes, with CEO Sam Altman being temporarily ousted on November 17, causing concern among investors and employees. Altman was reinstated four days later, accompanied by a commitment to form a new board. Microsoft, despite its significant investment, is expected to assume a non-voting observer position on the OpenAI board, according to statements made by Altman.
