OpenAI eyes $30b raise at $1.25T valuation ahead of IPO

OpenAI is reportedly close to finalizing a $30 billion funding round at a $1.25 trillion pre-money valuation, led by Coatue and UAE investors, according to CNBC. This follows a similar Bloomberg report from last month, which also mentioned a $30 billion raise at a $1.4 trillion valuation. Terms are still under negotiation, and the deal could change. The UAE funding may also include a deal for additional computing resources from the UAE. OpenAI has not commented on the matter. A $1.25 trillion valuation would make it the most valued private company ever, setting a higher bar for its upcoming IPO. OpenAI filed confidential IPO paperwork in June, following a $852 billion post-money valuation after its last raise in March. Anthropic’s IPO, which many believe is imminent, could see the company seek a $1.5 to $2 trillion valuation, according to CNBC. Anthropic raised $65 billion at a $965 billion valuation in May and also filed IPO paperwork in June. The potential valuations for both companies could influence the broader AI IPO landscape, with Anthropic’s S-1 filing rumored to be imminent. These developments highlight the growing interest and investment in AI startups ahead of their public debuts.