OpenAI in Talks for $6B Employee Stock Sale at $500B Valuation

OpenAI is in talks for a $6 billion secondary stock sale for employees, valuing the AI giant at $500 billion and making it the world's most valuable startup. Amid surging revenue to $12.7 billion and investor frenzy from firms like SoftBank, skepticism lingers over costs and hype. This deal underscores AI's transformative potential.
OpenAI in Talks for $6B Employee Stock Sale at $500B Valuation
Written by Andrew Cain

In the high-stakes world of artificial intelligence, OpenAI has once again captured the attention of investors and tech executives with a potential deal that could redefine valuations in the private market. The company, best known for its ChatGPT chatbot, is in discussions for a secondary stock sale allowing current and former employees to liquidate shares worth approximately $6 billion. This transaction, if completed, would peg OpenAI’s valuation at a staggering $500 billion, making it the most valuable startup globally and surpassing even SpaceX in private-market worth.

Details of the deal emerged from sources familiar with the matter, indicating that investors including Thrive Capital, SoftBank Group, and Dragoneer Investment Group are circling the opportunity. The sale is separate from OpenAI’s ongoing fundraising efforts, which earlier this year included a $40 billion round led by SoftBank at a $300 billion valuation. This rapid escalation underscores the fervent demand for AI exposure amid a broader tech boom.

The Mechanics of the Mega-Deal and Its Broader Implications for AI Investment

Negotiations remain in early stages, with the potential for terms to shift, but the structure highlights a growing trend in private tech: secondary sales as a liquidity lifeline for employees without a public offering. OpenAI’s move comes as its revenue is projected to triple to $12.7 billion this year, fueled by enterprise adoption of tools like GPT-4. Yet, the company’s path to profitability is shadowed by massive operational costs, including billions in computing power from partners like Microsoft.

According to reporting from CNBC, the talks reflect insatiable investor appetite, with OpenAI’s private stock in such high demand that secondary markets are thriving. This isn’t just about cashing out; it’s a signal of confidence in OpenAI’s trajectory toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), even as skeptics question the sustainability of such lofty valuations.

From Humble Beginnings to Valuation Giant: Tracing OpenAI’s Ascent

Founded in 2015 as a nonprofit research lab, OpenAI transitioned to a for-profit model in 2019, attracting heavyweights like Microsoft, which has invested over $13 billion. The company’s valuation has ballooned from $14 billion in 2021 to $86 billion last year, driven by ChatGPT’s viral success and partnerships. A Bloomberg video report detailed how this latest $500 billion figure represents a near-doubling from its March 2025 funding round, positioning OpenAI alongside tech titans like Apple and Google in perceived potential.

However, not all views are rosy. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) from industry observers express a mix of awe and caution, with some noting the deal’s unprecedented scale as evidence of AI hype potentially outpacing fundamentals. One prominent post highlighted OpenAI’s preparations for AGI-driven compute demands, likening it to early 20th-century industrialization.

Skepticism Amid the Hype: Risks and Regulatory Shadows

Critics, as outlined in a recent WIRED article, argue that OpenAI’s business model relies heavily on external capital to cover escalating costs for data centers and talent. The $500 billion tag raises eyebrows, especially with no immediate IPO in sight and ongoing antitrust scrutiny from regulators examining Microsoft’s stake.

Moreover, the deal’s structure could influence employee retention, offering liquidity but also tempting key talent to depart. Investors betting on this valuation are essentially wagering on OpenAI’s ability to monopolize AI advancements, from enhanced chatbots to autonomous systems.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Competitors and the Tech Ecosystem

If finalized, this transaction could set a new benchmark for AI firms like Anthropic and xAI, pressuring them to accelerate their own funding rounds. Broader market sentiment, as captured in Reuters coverage, suggests that OpenAI’s rise is buoying stocks of affiliates like Microsoft, with shares reacting positively to the news.

Ultimately, this private deal encapsulates the AI gold rush: immense promise tempered by uncertainty. As OpenAI navigates these waters, industry insiders will watch closely to see if the $500 billion valuation proves prophetic or precarious.

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