OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is reportedly planning a major employee stock sale that could reach up to $8 billion. The move enables employees to capitalize on their equity holdings, reflecting the company’s growing valuation and strong investor interest in its AI technologies.
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For context, an employee stock sale, or a secondary stock sale, is when current or former employees of a company sell their shares of stock to outside investors.
OpenAI Targets $500 Billion Valuation
With this sale, OpenAI is aiming for a valuation near $500 billion, marking a significant jump from a previous report that valued OpenAI at $300 billion in a funding round led by SoftBank Group (SFTBY).
OpenAI initially planned a $6 billion employee stock sale, but the new, bigger offer could become one of the largest in Silicon Valley history. According to market reports, the final amount will depend on how many shares current and former employees choose to sell.
The report further stated that SoftBank has pledged at least $1 billion to the sale, while other investors like Thrive Capital, T. Rowe Price (TROW), and Dragoneer are also considering contributing to the sale.
OpenAI Seeks Funding to Keep Up with Soaring AI Demand
OpenAI’s AI products, from ChatGPT to enterprise tools, are in high demand, and the company needs more funding to keep up. Building more infrastructure, hiring staff, and expanding operations require a lot of money. The upcoming stock sale and outside investments will help OpenAI meet growing demand and stay a leader in the fast-moving AI industry.
Which Is the Best AI Stock to Buy, According to Analysts?
Investors looking to buy into OpenAI in 2025 may be disappointed, as the company is still private and not publicly traded.
However, those interested in the AI sector can explore other leading AI-related stocks. Using TipRanks’ stock comparison tool, investors can compare top AI companies and conduct further research to find the most promising options based on analyst ratings and insights.
