OpenAI has successfully closed a $40 billion funding round, nearly doubling its valuation to $300 billion in just six months. The investment, led by SoftBank, cements OpenAI’s position among the world’s most valuable private companies, alongside SpaceX and ByteDance.
The AI giant, which ignited the AI revolution with ChatGPT in late 2022, continues to attract heavy investment, demonstrating strong industry confidence in artificial intelligence. CEO Sam Altman emphasized that the funding will accelerate OpenAI’s mission to make AI more impactful in daily life.
Funding Breakdown
🔹 $10 billion arrives immediately, with $30 billion expected by year-end.
🔹 SoftBank contributes 75%, with Microsoft, Thrive Capital, Coatue, and Altimeter covering the rest.
🔹 500 million people now use ChatGPT weekly, with 20 million paying for premium features.
Corporate Restructuring & Musk Lawsuit
🔹 OpenAI, originally a nonprofit, transitioned to a for-profit model in 2018 to secure funding.
🔹 Plans to shift control to a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) are underway.
🔹 Elon Musk sued OpenAI, alleging commercial interests overshadowed the public good.
🔹 Musk and investors attempted to buy OpenAI’s nonprofit assets for $97 billion, but the board rejected the bid.
With billions at stake and an ongoing battle over AI’s future, OpenAI’s next moves will shape the AI landscape for years to come.
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