OpenAI Raises $6.6 Billion in Secondary Share Sale at $500 Billion Valuation, Becoming Most Valuable Startup

OpenAI has completed a secondary sale of shares at a record $500 billion valuation, making it the most valuable startup in the world. The deal allows current and former employees to sell $6.6 billion worth of shares to investors including Thrive Capital, SoftBank, and T. Rowe Price. The sale aims to reward and retain employees, attract external investors, and deter them from leaving for rival AI talent.