OpenAI, the company that owns Chatgpt, has raised $6.6 billion in a new funding round to boost the company’s valuation to $157 billion as it looks to strengthen its lead in generative AI technology.
Thrive Capital led the funding round with $1.3 billion, while Microsoft invested an additional $750 million, bringing its total investment in OpenAI to $13.75 billion.
According to a source familiar with the matter, Khosla Ventures, Fidelity Management & Research Co., and Nvidia Corp., the chipmaker whose powerful processors are driving the AI boom—were also among the investors.
Apart from Elon Musk’s SpaceX and TikTok owner ByteDance Ltd, this deal ranks as one of the largest-ever private investments.
The ability of OpenAI to raise such a substantial amount despite heightened global risks demonstrates the industry’s confidence in the power of AI.
Other investors included Tiger Global Management, which contributed $350 million, and Altimeter Capital, which invested at least $250 million.
SoftBank Group Corp. and the new Abu Dhabi-based tech investment firm MGX also participated, with SoftBank’s investment totaling $500 million, according to one source who requested anonymity. Venture firm Coatue was another participant.
In a statement, the company said it plans to use the funds to advance AI research and expand its computing capacity. “AI is already personalizing learning, accelerating healthcare breakthroughs, and driving productivity,” said OpenAI Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar. “And this is just the start.”
