OpenAI is in early talks with investors about a potential funding round that could raise around $30 billion, CNBC confirmed on Tuesday. A source familiar with the talks told CNBC that the figure could still change. CNBC reported that investor demand is driving the discussions and that no term sheet has been finalized. CNBC also said investors have approached OpenAI in recent weeks with proposals to start a new funding round, as the network previously reported.
Bloomberg reported the potential round first. Reuters, citing Bloomberg, reported that OpenAI aims to raise at least $30 billion and is seeking a valuation of about $1.4 trillion, not including the money raised, according to people familiar with the matter. Reuters said Bloomberg described the talks as early, with terms that could change and with demand led by investors.
Bloomberg also reported that the proposed round would serve as bridge financing to provide capital in place of an initial public offering, Reuters said. In its confirmation, CNBC reported that OpenAI confidentially filed a prospectus with regulators in June and is widely expected to pursue a public listing next year.
OpenAI closed a $122 billion funding round in March at an $852 billion valuation, CNBC reported. Reuters described that March round as $122 billion in committed capital at the same $852 billion valuation. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment, Reuters said.
AI Tech Daily reported on Sept. 16 that OpenAI was weighing a pre-IPO round at a valuation above $1.2 trillion. That report did not state how much OpenAI might raise. The valuation Bloomberg described on Tuesday, about $1.4 trillion not including the money raised, is higher than that mid-September figure, and neither account says a round has closed.
AI Tech Daily reported on Sept. 15 that Sam Altman said OpenAI will not list in 2026.