OpenAI, the AI pioneer behind ChatGPT, is in early discussions with investors to raise tens of billions of dollars—potentially as much as $100 billion—at a staggering $750 billion valuation, according to reports from industry insiders. The talks, still preliminary and subject to change, mark a 50% leap from the company’s $500 billion valuation just two months ago after a $6.6 billion share sale. This potential funding round underscores the breakneck pace of AI investment amid intensifying competition and ballooning infrastructure demands.

Details emerged from The Information, which cited three people familiar with the matter. OpenAI has not commented publicly, but the discussions involve major players eyeing the firm’s path to advanced AI capabilities. On X, users like edzitron highlighted the audacity, posting: “OpenAI in talks to raise $100B at $750B valuation. That’s not a company, that’s a country.” Such reactions reflect the mix of awe and skepticism rippling through tech circles.

From $29 Billion to $750 Billion: A Valuation Sprint

OpenAI’s ascent has been meteoric. In January 2023, it was valued at $29 billion; by February 2024, $86 billion; October 2024, $157 billion; and October 2025, $500 billion, per posts on X and prior reports. This latest push comes as CEO Sam Altman seeks trillions in infrastructure for AI scaling, including energy and compute resources. New York Post noted the funding could fuel these ambitions, with investors like SoftBank, Thrive Capital, and others from past rounds potentially returning.

Bloomberg corroborated the talks in a December 18 article, stating OpenAI held funding discussions “to raise tens of billions of dollars at a valuation of $750 billion.” The scale rivals nation-state budgets, prompting questions about profitability—OpenAI remains unprofitable despite billions in revenue projections. CNBC TV18 reported the firm plans “trillions in infrastructure,” highlighting the resource-intensive path to artificial general intelligence.

Investor Lineup and Strategic Stakes

Potential backers include Thrive Capital, which led recent rounds, alongside Dragoneer, MGX, and T. Rowe Price, as mentioned in Windows Central’s coverage. Amazon is separately negotiating a $10 billion investment and chip access deal, per CNBC. Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest partner, eyes a $1 trillion IPO preparation, with Reuters noting possible regulatory filings by mid-2026.

On X, amir posted: “OpenAI discussing $100B raise at $750B val. AGI bets getting crazier.” This sentiment echoes broader web buzz, with Proactive Investors reporting the talks as a signal of AI’s “hyperscaler frenzy.” Fortune’s analysis frames OpenAI as “a house still under construction,” quoting insiders on its opaque structure amid growth pains.

Compute Hunger Drives the Mega-Round

The funding targets massive compute needs. OpenAI’s roadmap demands exaflop-scale clusters, with deals like multibillion commitments from Nvidia and Oracle already in place. Blockchain.news detailed how the $750 billion target reflects “unprecedented growth in generative AI,” tying it to industry implications for cloud providers and chipmakers.

Challenges loom: Regulatory scrutiny, talent wars, and energy constraints. The Information’s sources emphasized preliminary status, but if realized, this would dwarf prior records—the largest venture round ever. Outlook Business noted a “50% increase from $500 billion,” positioning OpenAI for IPO groundwork amid $1 trillion aspirations.

Geopolitical Dimensions of AI Dominance

Investors view OpenAI not just as a tech firm but a geopolitical asset. MobileAppDaily reported the round as “record-breaking,” ahead of potential public listing. Posts on X, like Hemant Mohapatra’s, liken it to 1920s oil industrialization: “preparing for AGI/ASI demand for compute & energy.” This frames the raise as nation-building for AI supremacy.

Risk factors include execution. OpenAI’s shift from nonprofit roots to capped-profit model has drawn criticism, per Fortune. Yet revenue from ChatGPT Enterprise and APIs surges, with Amazon talks signaling ecosystem expansion. The Decoder highlighted “early talks with investors about massive funding,” underscoring no profitability yet but explosive sales growth.