OpenAI in Talks to Sell Shares at $86 Billion Valuation

<p>OpenAI,
the artificial intelligence startup known for its creation of ChatGPT, is
currently in negotiations to conduct a tender offer. This allows its existing
employees to sell their shares at a remarkable $86 billion valuation, according
to anonymous sources familiar with the matter.</p><p>OpenAI's Confidential Tender
Offer: Employee Share Sale in Progress</p><p>This
confidential transaction is being discussed with potential investors, with
final allocations yet to be confirmed, and terms possibly subject to change, as
some sources have indicated. OpenAI, boasting Microsoft Corp. as a significant
owner of 49%, is under the leadership of Sam Altman, the Chief Executive Officer, and
Greg Brockman, the President.</p><p>If
the $86 billion valuation is realized, OpenAI would ascend to become one of the
world's most valuable privately held companies, surpassing the likes of Stripe and
Chinese online retailer Shein. It would be positioned just behind Elon Musk's
SpaceX and TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, in the global rankings of highly
valued companies.</p><p>When
approached for comment, a representative for San Francisco-based OpenAI
declined to offer any official statement.</p><p>OpenAI's
growth is driven by a promising future. The company is projected
to generate $1 billion in annual revenue as businesses continue to embrace its
cutting-edge technology, as previously reported by Bloomberg in August.</p><p>In
the preceding month, the Wall Street Journal had disclosed that <a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/tag/openai/">OpenAI</a> was actively
exploring a potential share sale, targeting a valuation range of $80 billion to
$90 billion.</p><p>As
OpenAI advances in both its valuation and technological prowess, the world
continues to watch with great interest, anticipating its future contributions
to the AI and tech industry.</p><blockquote><p lang="en" dir="ltr">OpenAI is in talks to sell existing employees’ shares at an $86 billion valuation.<a href="https://twitter.com/hgmiller29?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hgmiller29</a> discusses the broader implications <a href="https://t.co/9vOZ5rs8FI">https://t.co/9vOZ5rs8FI</a> <a href="https://t.co/aZuB00VGKb">pic.twitter.com/aZuB00VGKb</a></p>— Bloomberg TV (@BloombergTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/BloombergTV/status/1714805140337664349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2023</a></blockquote><p>OpenAI's Foray into Hardware:
Custom AI Chips on the Horizon</p><p>In
a <a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/">Finance Magnates</a> report
earlier, it was stated that <a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/fintech/openai-looks-to-make-its-own-ai-chips-what-you-need-to-know/">OpenAI
is entering the hardware arena to develop custom AI chips</a>, driven by the
escalating demand for specialized hardware tailored to AI workloads.
Traditional processors like CPUs and GPUs are limited in handling complex AI
tasks. Custom hardware, such as ASICs and FPGAs, offers superior performance
and energy efficiency.</p><p>OpenAI's
motivation for chip design includes performance optimization, cost reduction,
greater control over computing infrastructure, and enhanced data privacy and
security. This venture has significant implications, intensifying competition
in the chip industry, promoting innovation, and democratizing access to
advanced technology. It also accelerates AI advancements and improves privacy.</p><p>However,
developing custom chips is complex and costly. OpenAI may depend on commercial
providers initially. Collaboration with existing chip manufacturers and prudent
resource allocation will be vital in navigating this competitive and dynamic
landscape.</p>

This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.