OpenAI targets $1tn valuation for September IPO listing

OpenAI is preparing to file for an initial public offering with a target valuation of $1 trillion, according to a report by the Financial Times. The artificial intelligence laboratory aims to list on the stock market as early as September, marking a significant milestone in its transition from a private entity to a publicly traded company.

To manage the complexities of the listing, OpenAI has engaged Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley as investment bankers. The firm has also appointed the law firm Cooley to serve as legal counsel for the process. These appointments signal the scale of the transaction and the high-profile nature of the underwriting team selected to guide the lab through the regulatory and financial requirements of a public debut.

The $1 trillion valuation represents a target rather than a confirmed final figure, which may fluctuate during the filing and underwriting phases. Similarly, the September timeline is an aim for the listing, indicating a projected window rather than a guaranteed date. The engagement of major global financial institutions underscores the market’s interest in the AI sector’s largest private companies.

This development occurs against a backdrop of broader market activity, including recent gains in US stock indices and diplomatic discussions in Beijing. While the OpenAI filing is a corporate financial event, it takes place amidst a wider landscape of international trade talks and technology sector movements, including recent approvals for semiconductor sales.

The move to go public aligns with the growing institutional interest in artificial intelligence infrastructure and applications. By securing top-tier banking and legal support, OpenAI is positioning itself for a listing that would place it among the most valuable companies in the world, subject to final regulatory approvals and market conditions.