OpenAI has closed a record-setting $40 billion funding round, positioning the artificial intelligence company among the most valuable privately held technology firms globally.
The transaction establishes OpenAI at a valuation of $300 billion, reinforcing its leadership status in the rapidly expanding AI industry.
The capital raise, led by SoftBank Group Corp., attracted participation from a mix of existing and new investors, including Microsoft, Coatue Management, Thrive Capital, and other institutional players.
The round is divided into two tranches, with the first committed for immediate deployment and the second subject to corporate restructuring milestones.
OpenAI intends to separate its profit-generating subsidiary from its non-profit governance structure as part of the agreed conditions.
The restructuring is expected to conclude before the end of 2025. The second tranche, totaling $30 billion, is contingent on the timely completion of this process.
SoftBank, the largest contributor in this round, has committed $7.5 billion upfront, with an additional $22.5 billion earmarked for the second phase of investment.
Other investors in the syndicate will contribute the balance, expanding OpenAI’s access to long-term capital for research, infrastructure, and commercial expansion.
The company’s valuation nearly doubles from its previous capital raise, highlighting the growing confidence investors place in OpenAI’s business model and revenue outlook.
OpenAI has experienced significant growth in its user base, driven by the adoption of its flagship product, ChatGPT, as well as the introduction of new AI tools for image and video generation.
In a statement, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman noted that the capital will be directed towards advancing AI capabilities and accelerating deployment in both consumer and enterprise markets.
The company has also projected a sharp increase in revenue, targeting $12.7 billion in annual income by year-end, supported by rising demand for AI-driven services across industries.
Industry analysts view the fundraising as a defining moment for the AI sector. The size of the investment underscores the strategic importance global investors now attach to advanced AI systems, especially those with scalable commercial applications.
OpenAI’s increasing focus on enterprise solutions is seen as a key driver of its projected revenue growth.
SoftBank, a long-standing investor in emerging technologies, reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its footprint in AI. Chairman Masayoshi Son described AI as central to future economic transformation and reiterated the firm’s belief in OpenAI’s capacity to deliver industry-shaping innovations.
Beyond SoftBank’s commitment, other institutional investors, including hedge funds and venture capital firms, are expected to finalize additional allocations under the second tranche.
Reports indicate that OpenAI is exploring supplementary capital partnerships to further strengthen its balance sheet ahead of its next growth phase.
Market watchers note that the funding round’s scale and structure could influence future AI fundraising activity, as global demand for computing power and AI talent continues to rise.
OpenAI’s access to fresh capital also signals intensified competition among major AI developers and may trigger more consolidation across the industry.
