OpenAI’s Valuation Skyrockets to $500 Billion Amid Secondary Share Sale Talks

OpenAI is negotiating a $6 billion secondary share sale that WOULD value the artificial intelligence pioneer at a staggering $500 billion. The deal, still in early discussions, would allow current and former employees to liquidate holdings without a traditional IPO. SoftBank, Dragoneer Investment Group, and Thrive Capital are among potential investors, with Thrive positioned to lead the round.

The company's valuation has tripled since March 2024 when a $40 billion funding round pegged it at $300 billion. This meteoric rise follows ChatGPT's explosive adoption, which cemented OpenAI's dominance in AI development. The firm now commands over 70% of all US startup investment in artificial intelligence.

Secondary sales represent a strategic compromise for high-growth tech firms—providing employee liquidity while maintaining private control. CEO Sam Altman has signaled plans to invest trillions in AI infrastructure, suggesting OpenAI's capital requirements will only grow. The share sale terms remain fluid, but the proposed valuation underscores investor conviction in AI's transformative potential.