The key facts
- OpenAI, according to CNBC, is raising up to $30 billion at a $1.25 trillion valuation; the round is led by Coatue and investors from the UAE
- Bloomberg reported a $1.4 trillion valuation a month ago; terms are still being negotiated
- Confidential IPO paperwork was filed in June; the valuation in March was $852 billion
A new major round instead of an IPO
OpenAI, according to CNBC citing sources, is close to raising another large round of private investment instead of an immediate IPO. The company is working to raise up to $30 billion at a $1.25 trillion pre-money valuation in a round led by Coatue and investors from the UAE. CNBC notes that the funding from the UAE may be tied to an agreement to provide OpenAI with additional computing capacity. OpenAI declined to comment.
Discrepancies between outlets
A month earlier, Bloomberg reported that OpenAI was in talks to raise $30 billion at a $1.4 trillion valuation. Both outlets emphasize that the terms of the round are still being negotiated and may change.
Record valuation and IPO plans
If OpenAI receives a valuation above $1 trillion, it will become the most valuable private company in history, which would also set a high bar for a future IPO. OpenAI filed confidential IPO paperwork in June, following a round in March in which the company was valued at $852 billion post-money.
Impact on Anthropic
OpenAI's high valuation could also affect Anthropic's IPO, which many observers believe is closer to happening. According to CNBC, Anthropic, per the latest reports, is seeking a valuation of $1.5–2 trillion for its public debut. In May, the company raised $65 billion at a $965 billion valuation, and in June it also filed confidential IPO paperwork.
