OpenAI has closed a $6.6 billion funding round, reaching an impressive valuation of $157 billion. The company, known for its development of ChatGPT, cements its position as one of the world's most valuable private companies.
• Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) are the lead investors in this round, joined by Thrive Capital, Khosla Ventures and other venture capital players.
Changes to the company's structure
The closing of the financing round coincides with a phase of internal restructuring at OpenAI. The departure of its chief technology officer, Mira Murati, last week marked a key point in this transformation.
• CFO Sarah Friar announced that the company plans to offer employees the opportunity to buy back their shares.
Revenue and growth outlook
OpenAI projects revenues of $3.6 billion in 2024, despite growing losses of more than $5 billion. By 2025, the company expects a significant jump, with revenue forecast at $11.6 billion.
• Thrive Capital has the option to invest an additional $1 billion if OpenAI reaches certain revenue targets.
Participation of major investors and their role
Altimeter Capital, Fidelity and SoftBank (TYO: 9984), along with Abu Dhabi investment firm MGX, also participated in this round, underscoring OpenAI's appeal to large global investors. Although Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) was in negotiations to participate in the financing, it ultimately decided not to do so.
• The structure of the financing included convertible notes contingent on the successful restructuring into a for-profit organization.
OpenAI's meteoric growth
Since ChatGPT's launch, OpenAI has experienced rapid growth in popularity, attracting more than 250 million weekly active users. Its valuation has increased from $14 billion in 2021 to $157 billion in 2024.
• The company continues to look to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) as it accelerates its commercialization and pursues profitability.
Conclusion
The $6.6 billion funding round strengthens OpenAI's position as a leader in artificial intelligence, with backing from major investors such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA). Despite internal challenges, the company remains focused on growth and moving towards artificial general intelligence (AGI), consolidating its key role in the future of the technology sector.
Ion Jauregui - ActivTrades Analyst
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