OpenAI Prepares $6 Billion Secondary Stock Sale at $500 Billion Valuation

OpenAI is orchestrating one of Silicon Valley's largest secondary stock sales, with current and former employees set to offload approximately $6 billion in shares. The transaction WOULD value the AI powerhouse at a staggering $500 billion, positioning it atop the global startup hierarchy. Thrive Capital, SoftBank, and Dragoneer Investment Group are among the investors in discussions, though talks remain preliminary.

The sale is not a capital raise but a liquidity event for early stakeholders. Secondary transactions of this nature have become a hallmark of high-growth startups, enabling talent retention without immediate public listing. For OpenAI, it’s a strategic MOVE to reward employees who bet on the company during its ascent—a priority underscored by CEO Sam Altman.

Investor appetite remains voracious. Thrive may lead the deal, while SoftBank reaffirms its conviction with follow-on commitments. Earlier this year, OpenAI secured $8.3 billion of a targeted $40 billion raise at a $300 billion valuation. The leap to $500 billion underscores its pole position in the AI arms race—a sector where OpenAI is no mere participant but the pacesetter.