OpenAI, a leading company in the artificial intelligence field, has begun preparations for an IPO with a massive valuation of up to $1 trillion. According to Reuters, citing three sources familiar with the matter, this step would mark one of the largest IPOs in history. Discussions for the IPO are still in the early stages.

OpenAI’s Market Value in the Spotlight

The company is considering filing with securities regulators in the second half of 2026. Early-stage plans call for a capital increase of at least $60 billion. However, sources indicate that these figures and timing could change depending on growth rate and market conditions.

OpenAI Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar has stated in several statements to her close circle that the company aims to go public in 2027. However, the company’s advisors anticipate the process could be completed by the end of 2026. Despite these dates, an OpenAI spokesperson explained that the IPO is not currently their focus, and therefore, it is not possible to set a definitive date.

The IPO preparations come on the heels of a major corporate restructuring recently completed by OpenAI, which significantly reduced its financial dependence on Microsoft. This restructuring allows the company to operate more independently.

The company is seeking to access more efficient capital raising avenues by accessing the public markets and pursuing large equity-based acquisitions. Currently valued at $500 billion, the company expects annual revenue to reach $20 billion by the end of 2025. However, losses are increasing in line with revenue growth.

Therefore, it needs new resources to maintain its financial stability while maintaining its rapidly growing operations. CEO Sam Altman said in a livestream on Tuesday, “Given our capital needs, an IPO is the most likely path forward for us.”

The company has a massive $1.4 trillion financial obligation to build 30 GW of data center infrastructure over the coming years. The company estimates that each GW costs $50 billion to build.