OpenAI Eyes $500 Billion Valuation via Secondary Share Sale

OpenAI is reportedly considering a secondary stock sale that could value the company at $500 billion, according to multiple sources. This potential move aims to provide liquidity to current and former employees and could mark a significant step in the company’s valuation trajectory. The reported valuation would represent a substantial increase from an estimated $300 billion in March 2025 [1].

The proposed sale is currently in early discussions and could involve either selling shares directly to investors or allowing employees to offload their equity stakes. Such a structure aligns with growing trends in the tech and AI sectors, where private companies increasingly use secondary sales to unlock value for early stakeholders. However, no final terms or timelines have been disclosed at this stage [1].

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, has been actively engaged in fundraising efforts that could support the company’s valuation goals. Reports suggest that Altman is leading a $40 billion fundraising round alongside the potential $500 billion valuation deal. This dual strategy appears to focus on securing capital while maintaining employee retention and aligning equity incentives, which are critical for a company in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving industry [2].

Analysts view the potential $500 billion valuation as a reflection of OpenAI’s strong position in the AI sector, particularly driven by the commercial success of its flagship product, ChatGPT. The valuation increase is also seen as part of broader shifts in how private market liquidity is structured, especially for firms with large user bases and significant revenue potential [3]. However, the outcome of the share sale remains subject to market conditions and investor demand, and no official confirmation has been provided by the company.

OpenAI’s exploration of a secondary sale comes amid a broader wave of AI-focused investment. Other private companies, such as Runway and Luma, are also reportedly evaluating large-scale fundraising initiatives. OpenAI’s potential move could set a benchmark for future valuations in the sector and influence how other AI startups approach workforce liquidity and equity management [4].

Sources:

[1] OpenAI's $500B Valuation and Secondary Share Sale (https://www.ainvest.com/news/openai-500b-valuation-secondary-share-sale-era-employee-equity-monetization-2508/)

[2] OpenAI Aims for $500 Billion Valuation via Employee ... (https://www.ainvest.com/news/openai-aims-500-billion-valuation-employee-share-sale-2508/)

[4] OpenAI to Hold Share Sale at $500 Billion Valuation (https://www.theinformation.com/briefings/openai-hold-share-sale-500-billion-valuation)