A Historic Leap in Valuation
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has closed a secondary share sale that allowed current and former employees to cash out about $6.6 billion worth of stock. The deal values OpenAI at $500 billion, placing it ahead of Elon Musk’s SpaceX and making it the most valuable startup in the world. Just months ago, OpenAI was valued at $300 billion in a financing round led by SoftBank. The jump highlights both investor confidence and the growing dominance of artificial intelligence in shaping the global technology landscape.
Who Invested in the Deal
The secondary sale attracted participation from some of the biggest names in global investing, including Thrive Capital, SoftBank, Dragoneer Investment Group, Abu Dhabi’s MGX and T. Rowe Price. These firms bought shares directly from employees, a move that not only provides liquidity but also rewards staff for being part of one of the fastest-growing companies in the world.
Interestingly, the final amount of stock sold was less than the $10 billion-plus originally made available. Analysts see this as a signal of strong confidence among employees and early shareholders, many of whom chose to hold on to their stakes, betting on the long-term potential of OpenAI.
Why It Matters for Employees and Investors
Employee-led share sales have become a common strategy for US startups to attract and retain top talent, particularly in competitive industries like artificial intelligence. For OpenAI, the timing is crucial. Meta Platforms has been aggressively hiring AI researchers with enormous pay packages, and ensuring liquidity through this sale gives OpenAI an edge in keeping its best talent.
For investors, the deal underscores the seismic shift toward AI-driven businesses. With products like has not only transformed consumer technology but also positioned itself as a cornerstone of enterprise solutions, developer tools and digital infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
The $500 billion valuation cements OpenAI as the most valuable privately held startup in the world. It also sets the stage for greater competition with global tech giants who are racing to dominate AI. While questions remain about regulation, monetisation and the sustainability of rapid growth, this deal shows that OpenAI is not just riding a hype cycle but building an ecosystem that investors and employees believe will last.
The challenge now will be scaling innovation while retaining talent in a field where the competition is fierce and the stakes are global.
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