OpenAI Targets $30 Billion Funding Round Ahead of Potential 2027 IPO
OpenAI is seeking at least $30 billion from private investors in a proposed bridge financing round as the ChatGPT developer pushes its potential initial public offering into 2027, according to Bloomberg.
The company is targeting a valuation of approximately $1.4 trillion, excluding the new investment, Bloomberg reported on September 29. Discussions remain preliminary, however, and the valuation, funding amount and other terms could change before an agreement is reached.
The planned financing would provide additional private capital ahead of a future public-market listing. Chief Executive Sam Altman has ruled out an IPO in 2026, citing concerns related to advanced artificial intelligence, leaving OpenAI reliant on private fundraising while it continues preparing for a potential listing the following year.
The proposed valuation would represent a substantial increase from OpenAI’s most recent financing.
OpenAI Funding Target Reaches $30 Billion
In March, investors committed $122 billion to OpenAI at an $852 billion post-money valuation, according to the Bloomberg report. The latest target of approximately $1.4 trillion would therefore place the company considerably above that level.
OpenAI had previously considered raising capital at a valuation of about $1.2 trillion. The latest target is roughly $200 billion higher, although the figure remains subject to negotiations and has not been finalized.
The fundraising discussions come as OpenAI’s revenue continues to increase. Axios reported that the company’s annualized revenue is approaching $70 billion, while enterprise sales have more than doubled since July.
Reported annualized revenue has also risen by more than 70% since the beginning of the third quarter. These figures represent the company’s current annualized operating pace rather than revenue generated over a completed fiscal year.
AI Infrastructure Spending Shapes Investor Demand
OpenAI’s financing plans are unfolding alongside intensifying competition with Anthropic, another major AI developer seeking to expand its enterprise business.
Anthropic confidentially filed for a U.S. IPO in June, putting the company ahead of OpenAI in the public-listing process. Reuters has reported that Anthropic could seek a valuation above $2 trillion, based on a prospectus reviewed by the news agency.
The capital requirements of both companies also reflect the cost of expanding AI computing infrastructure. Anthropic has disclosed approximately $518 billion in future cloud, computing and infrastructure obligations, while OpenAI is targeting about $600 billion in computing spending through 2030.
Both companies are pursuing enterprise customers as they attempt to translate growing AI adoption into recurring commercial revenue. Their financing requirements consequently extend beyond conventional corporate expansion to large commitments for computing capacity and infrastructure.
OpenAI has continued expanding its products while its IPO timeline shifts. The company recently introduced its Dots AI agent and launched a $500-per-month subscription tier offering higher usage limits and faster processing, alongside changes to its $200 plan.
For now, the proposed $30 billion bridge financing would give OpenAI another source of private capital before a potential 2027 public listing. The company still needs to reach agreement with investors on the size of the round, its valuation and the final financing terms.
Writer: Marcus RenfieldCrypto Market Analyst & Onchain WriterMarcus Renfield covers cryptocurrency markets with a focus on onchain data, Bitcoin price action, and emerging market narratives. His writing examines how capital flows, network activity, and broader market structure influence short- and medium-term trends.He aims to provide clear, data-informed analysis for readers seeking a deeper understanding of crypto market dynamics.