Usman Salis
The company behind ChatGPT appears to be moving closer to going public. In a recent discussion with investors, Sam Altman described an IPO as OpenAI's probable next step—fueling speculation that one of the world's most influential AI firms could soon hit the stock market.
Altman Signals OpenAI's Public Market Plans
In a recent tweet, AI market commentator Chubby highlighted that OpenAI's CEO has openly acknowledged the likelihood of going public. During a Tuesday investor call, Altman reportedly said "the most likely path for the newly formed business is that it becomes publicly traded on the stock market."
It's one of the clearest hints yet that OpenAI—currently a hybrid organization balancing profit and mission-driven research—could be preparing for a major transition to public markets.
Altman's comments come after months of internal restructuring. Earlier this year, OpenAI converted parts of its structure into a public-benefit corporation, making it easier to take on outside investment while preserving its ethical oversight mission. Microsoft, already a major partner with a stake worth tens of billions, adds financial credibility to any potential listing.
The company's capital needs are massive. Building GPT-5 and scaling infrastructure requires enormous data-center spending, and an IPO could unlock the long-term funding OpenAI needs to keep pace.
Key Considerations for Investors
What investors should keep in mind:
- Sky-high valuations — OpenAI is already valued between $150–$200 billion privately, meaning much of its growth may already be priced in
- Enormous early returns — Private investors and venture capital firms have seen massive gains since OpenAI's 2015 founding, especially after ChatGPT's breakout success
- Market impact — An OpenAI IPO would instantly become one of the biggest tech listings ever, rivaling Meta, Alphabet, and NVIDIA in scale
- Industry benchmark — It could set the standard for how investors value other AI developers like Anthropic, Cohere, and Mistral
- Challenges ahead — Regulatory scrutiny, ethical governance, and the sustainability of AI's computing costs will all shape long-term profitability perceptions
If OpenAI moves forward, it would mark a turning point not just for the company, but for the entire AI sector. The shift from research-focused foundation to fully commercialized public enterprise would redefine how investors think about artificial intelligence.
Timing will be everything. Markets remain volatile, and while enthusiasm for AI stocks runs high, concerns about profitability and market saturation persist.
For now, the world's leading AI company seems to be laying the groundwork for what could be the most consequential tech IPO in years. Whether it happens in 2026 or later, one thing's certain: when OpenAI goes public, it'll reshape the AI investment landscape entirely.
Usman Salis
