OpenAI’s private share sale may value it at $500B, up from $300B, as user growth and revenue surge ahead of a planned IPO
New Delhi, Aug 6 – OpenAI is discussing a private employee share sale that could value the AI company at $500 billion, sources familiar with the matter said. This would mark a sharp increase from its previous $300 billion valuation.
The deal would allow current and former employees to sell several billion dollars’ worth of shares, giving them liquidity before a potential IPO. The sources, who spoke anonymously, said the timing and structure remain under discussion.
This move highlights OpenAI’s rapid growth. ChatGPT, its flagship product, now has around 700 million weekly active users, up from 400 million earlier this year. The company’s annualized revenue run rate doubled to $12 billion in 2025 and may reach $20 billion by year-end.
Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar said, “The IPO will happen when both internal readiness and external conditions align.” OpenAI is restructuring its business model to prepare for a public listing, shifting from a capped-profit model to a public-benefit corporation (PBC).
Earlier this year, OpenAI closed a $40 billion funding round led by Japan’s SoftBank Group, which contributed $22.5 billion. This round valued the company at $300 billion and included continued support from Microsoft, one of its biggest backers.
Competition for AI talent remains fierce. Meta recently tried to recruit Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang with a multibillion-dollar offer to lead its AI division, sources said.
Private share sales have become common among fast-growing tech firms. These sales provide employee liquidity while avoiding immediate exposure to public markets. Companies like ByteDance and Databricks have used similar approaches.
Investors, including Thrive Capital, are expected to join OpenAI’s upcoming share sale. Thrive declined to comment.
With strong backing, fast user growth, and rising revenue, OpenAI aims to lead the next phase of global AI development. The share sale will test investor confidence in its long-term vision.
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