OpenAI prepares initial public offering

OpenAI evolves from free to IPO for economic, technological and strategic reasons. Originally, the company aimed to make artificial intelligence accessible to all through a completely free model, promoting rapid and global adoption. However, with the rise in the number of users and the increasing complexity of its models such as GPT-4 and DALL·E, infrastructure and research costs have increased significantly.

To support this expansion, OpenAI has implemented paid offers such as ChatGPT Plus, enabling priority access and enhanced performance. This hybrid model, combining free and subscription, has made it possible to find a balance between accessibility and profitability.

Today, the company is preparing to take a new step with its IPO project. This evolution aims to secure major financial resources to continue innovation, strengthen its infrastructure and assert its position against competing players such as Google DeepMind or Anthropic.

OpenAI plans to complete its IPO in the second half of 2026, or even later in 2027, according to several specialized sources. This transaction would mark a major milestone in the company’s journey, now valued at more than 500 billion dollars in private markets.

Analysts mention a targeted valuation of up to US$1 trillion, which would place OpenAI among the world’s largest listed companies. The goal would be to raise at least US$60 billion to fund the research, international expansion and infrastructure needed for its AI models. Such a fundraising would strengthen its position against competitors such as Google DeepMind or Anthropic.

However, the management of OpenAI remains cautious on the schedule. The company says that the IPO is not an immediate priority, giving priority to the technological development and stability of the business model. This measured approach reflects the desire not to rush an operation of this magnitude. If it materializes, OpenAI’s IPO could become one of the most spectacular in the history of the technology sector.

If OpenAI reaches a valuation of about US$1 trillion, the price of its share could be around 100 dollars. This estimate is based on an optimistic scenario where investor demand would be strong and confidence in the growth potential of artificial intelligence.

In a more cautious hypothesis, with a valuation of between 500 and 750 billion dollars, the initial price would rather be between 50 and 75 dollars per share. This level would reflect a more measured approach to market uncertainties and financial challenges related to profitability.

If the IPO has a similar interest to other tech giants, the share could then increase by 30 to 70% in the first two years. However, this development will depend on OpenAI’s ability to transform its technological advances into stable revenue. The development of new applications, product diversification and the increasing adoption of AI by companies could play a key role. Conversely, increased competition and the emerging regulation of the sector could slow down this dynamic. OpenAI’s IPO therefore represents both a promise of growth and a bet on the future of artificial intelligence.

The objectives of OpenAI revolve around a main mission: to develop an artificial intelligence beneficial for all humanity. Since its inception, the company has sought to make the power of AI accessible, safe and useful in everyday life. It aims to create systems capable of assisting humans in their tasks, improving productivity and fostering innovation in all sectors.

OpenAI also aims to ensure the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence, reducing the risks associated with misinformation, bias or excessive automation. On the technological front, its objective is to further develop ever more efficient and reliable models, such as GPT or DALL·E.

The company also wants to strengthen collaboration between humans and machines, rather than oppose them. In addition, OpenAI seeks to maintain a balance between accessibility and economic viability, including through its paid offerings and partnerships. Finally, the envisaged IPO is part of this logic: to obtain the necessary resources to continue to innovate while respecting its initial mission of opening and sharing the benefits of AI.

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