OpenAI (PC:OPAIQ) CEO Sam Altman has pushed back on reports that the company’s finances are under strain. Speaking on the Bg2 podcast with Microsoft (MSFT) CEO Satya Nadella, Altman said the company’s annual revenue is “well more” than the widely reported $13 billion figure. He added that OpenAI’s business is strong and that recent claims about its spending challenges are overblown.
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During the discussion, Altman responded sharply when host Brad Gerstner asked how OpenAI plans to pay for its massive computing projects. He said, “We’re doing well, more revenue than that,” before adding that if Gerstner wanted to sell his shares, he would “find a buyer.” The comment reflected frustration with growing doubts about how OpenAI will handle its $1.4 trillion in planned spending on data centers and AI infrastructure.
Microsoft’s Support and Long-Term Plans
Microsoft has invested about $13 billion in OpenAI and now holds a 27% stake valued at roughly $135 billion after the company’s latest restructuring. Nadella said OpenAI has “beaten every business plan” it has presented to Microsoft so far. His support helped reinforce investors’ confidence, as OpenAI’s close link with Microsoft continues to anchor its growth.
OpenAI has reportedly committed around $250 billion to use Microsoft Azure services over the next decade. These costs are part of its long-term buildout of computing capacity to train and deploy new AI models. Altman said that while the numbers are large, the company expects future revenue growth to cover these commitments.
Growth Targets and IPO Outlook
When Gerstner suggested OpenAI might reach $100 billion in annual revenue by 2028 or 2029, Altman replied, “How about ’27?” That answer hinted that the company expects much faster growth than outside forecasts. The rise could come from higher demand for ChatGPT and enterprise services that use OpenAI’s technology.
Despite reports of a possible public listing, Altman denied that an initial public offering is planned soon. He said there is no date or board decision on an IPO, although the company’s move to a public benefit structure makes a future listing easier. Analysts believe a public debut could still happen by late 2026, possibly targeting a $1 trillion valuation. For now, OpenAI is focused on expanding its products and keeping pace with rising global interest in AI, supported by Microsoft’s strong backing.
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