# OpenAI's $280 billion cash burn race to 2030

> OpenAI projects it will burn through nearly $280 billion by 2030 while chasing a $1.2 trillion valuation, betting investors will fund its massive computing infrastructure bets.
- Title: OpenAI's $280 billion cash burn race to 2030 · Pymnts
- Summary: OpenAI projects it will burn through nearly $280 billion by 2030 while chasing a $1.2 trillion valuation, betting investors will fund its massive computing…
- Keywords: openai, cash burn, funding, artificial intelligence, computing infrastructure, sam altman, valuation, nvidia, ai development, investor funding, business, finance
- Source: Pymnts — https://pymnts.com/news/artificial-intelligence/2026/openais-cash-burn-could-approach-280-billion-by-2030
- Author: PYMNTS
- Published: 2026-09-20T23:33:50+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: openai, cash burn, funding, artificial intelligence, computing infrastructure, sam altman, valuation, nvidia, ai development, investor funding, business, finance
## OpenAI's $280 billion burn forecast
OpenAI projects negative free cash flow of $278 billion between 2026 and 2030 as it invests heavily in computing power and infrastructure expansion.

> OpenAI has reportedly forecast that it will burn through nearly $280 billion by the end of 2030.
## Revenue growth won't cover costs
OpenAI forecasts revenues will grow nearly tenfold from $36 billion this year to $350 billion in 2030, but expenses will still far exceed income.
## Computing power is the biggest expense
OpenAI projects it will spend around $856 billion on computing power and infrastructure by 2030, its single largest expense category.
## Seeking $1.2 trillion valuation
OpenAI is in funding talks targeting a $1.2 trillion valuation, with sources saying the company is campaigning for an even higher valuation from existing backers.
## Cash will run out by 2028
OpenAI raised $122 billion in March, but at its current burn rate, that cash will be exhausted by 2028, requiring new funding rounds.
## Altman: IPO unlikely before 2027
CEO Sam Altman said OpenAI is unlikely to go public before 2027, calling a listing ill-advised amid growing AI safety concerns.
## Key takeaway

OpenAI expects to spend $856 billion on computing power and infrastructure by 2030, far outpacing its projected revenues, requiring continuous investor funding to survive.