OpenAI seeks $30 billion funding at $1.25 trillion valuation

OpenAI is reportedly in advanced discussions to secure a new private funding round of up to $30 billion, valuing the company at $1.25 trillion on a pre-money basis. According to sources cited by CNBC, the round is being led by Coatue alongside investors from the United Arab Emirates. This development suggests the artificial intelligence firm is prioritising additional private capital over an immediate public listing, although terms remain subject to negotiation and may change.

The proposed valuation would establish OpenAI as the most valuable private company in history, surpassing previous records. The funding package may also include a separate agreement to secure additional computing capacity from the UAE. This follows a similar report by Bloomberg a month ago, which indicated the company was seeking $30 billion at a higher $1.4 trillion valuation. OpenAI has declined to comment on the matter.

The company filed confidential paperwork for an initial public offering in June, following a March funding round that valued it at $852 billion on a post-money basis. A valuation exceeding one trillion dollars would raise the benchmark for its eventual public debut. These developments may also influence the trajectory of rival Anthropic, which is believed to be preparing for its own IPO. Anthropic filed confidential documents in June after raising $65 billion in May at a $965 billion valuation, with reports suggesting it seeks a public debut valuation between $1.5 trillion and $2 trillion.