# OpenAI eyes $1.2 trillion funding round, shelves IPO plans

> Sam Altman's company is in talks for new venture capital instead of going public this year.
- Title: OpenAI eyes $1.2 trillion funding round, shelves IPO plans
- Summary: Sam Altman's company is in talks for new venture capital instead of going public this year. OpenAI is pursuing private funding at a $1.2 trillion valuation…
- Keywords: openai, sam altman, ipo, venture capital, funding round, valuation, artificial intelligence, tech companies, private markets, eyes, trillion, funding
- Source: Fortune — https://fortune.com/2026/09/16/openai-ipo-sam-altman-vc-funding-valuation-1-2-trillion
- Author: Jim Edwards
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: openai, sam altman, ipo, venture capital, funding round, valuation, artificial intelligence, tech companies, private markets
## OpenAI delays IPO plans
The company is in talks for another funding round that would value it at $1.2 trillion. This would eliminate the need to go public this year.
## Safety concerns drive the decision
Sam Altman told Fortune that now would be an ill-advised moment to go public given everything happening with safety.

> Given everything happening with safety, right now would be an ill-advised moment to go public, and we don't feel pressure on that.
## Massive valuation jump from March
OpenAI raised $122 billion in March at a valuation of $852 billion. The new round would push that to $1.2 trillion.
## Fortune 500 Europe hits record
The combined revenues of Europe's 500 largest companies reached $15.5 trillion this year, equivalent to half of Europe's GDP.
## European profits bounce back
Profits returned to growth, rising 3% to just over $1 trillion after a 5% decline in 2025.
## Volkswagen tops the list again
Volkswagen holds the top spot for a third year with revenue of $363 billion, despite tariffs and Chinese competition.
## Key takeaway

OpenAI is pursuing private funding at a $1.2 trillion valuation rather than going public, citing safety concerns as a reason to delay an IPO.