# OpenAI seeks $1.2 trillion valuation before going public

> The ChatGPT maker is in early talks with investors for a massive funding round ahead of its planned IPO.
- Title: OpenAI seeks $1.2 trillion valuation before going public
- Summary: The ChatGPT maker is in early talks with investors for a massive funding round ahead of its planned IPO. OpenAI is pursuing a $1.2 trillion valuation in a…
- Keywords: openai, sam altman, chatgpt, ipo, funding round, artificial intelligence, gpt-5.6, astra, anthropic, valuation, ai development, business
- Source: Pymnts — https://pymnts.com/news/artificial-intelligence/2026/openai-eyes-1-2-trillion-valuation-in-pre-ipo-funding-round
- Author: PYMNTS
- Published: 2026-09-16T10:41:59+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: openai, sam altman, chatgpt, ipo, funding round, artificial intelligence, gpt-5.6, astra, anthropic, valuation, ai development, business
## OpenAI eyes massive new valuation
The AI startup is in early talks with investors about a funding round at a $1.2 trillion valuation before its planned IPO.
## Investors initiated the talks
OpenAI raised $122 billion at $852 billion in March and filed confidentially for its IPO in June. Investors, not the company, started these new discussions.
## New models driving revenue growth
OpenAI hopes to capitalize on demand for GPT-5.6, released in July, and Astra, launched earlier this month.
## The company burns billions yearly
OpenAI spent $34 billion last year on AI model training. Revenue hit $40 billion annualized last month after a 20% jump following GPT-5.6's release.

> needs capital
## IPO unlikely before 2027
CEO Sam Altman said the IPO probably won't happen before 2027, calling it an "ill-advised moment" to go public amid AI safety concerns.
## Words don't match actions
PYMNTS CEO Karen Webster argues the gap between AI companies' warnings about dangers and their behavior is the most useful data point in the debate.

> The gap between what these companies say and what they do is the most useful data point in this whole debate.
## Key takeaway

OpenAI is pursuing a $1.2 trillion valuation in a pre-IPO funding round, driven by investor interest and the need for capital to fund AI development.