ChatGPT Maker Hits $500B Valuation in Share Sale
OpenAI, the pioneering company behind ChatGPT, has achieved a staggering valuation of $500 billion following a major secondary share sale. This financial milestone officially cements its status as the world's most valuable privately-held startup, surpassing even competitors like SpaceX.
The half-trillion-dollar valuation follows a significant transaction where current and former employees sold approximately $6.6 billion worth of shares. This represents a dramatic surge from the company’s previous valuation of $300 billion, reflecting explosive growth in both its user base and revenue stream.
The company's financial metrics underscore this rapid expansion:
- In the first half of 2025, OpenAI generated approximately $4.3 billion in revenue.
- This figure is roughly 16% more than the revenue earned during the entirety of the previous year.
The valuation surge is backed by strong investor confidence, with major firms participating in the latest share purchase, including SoftBank, Thrive Capital, Dragoneer Investment Group, Abu Dhabi’s MGX, and T Rowe Price.
This remarkable financial achievement highlights the intense global focus and investment pouring into artificial intelligence. OpenAI's market position and substantial financial backing confirm its leading role in driving the current wave of technological transformation.
As AI continues to rapidly reshape various industries, the company's valuation signals that investors are strongly committed to its growth trajectory and its ability to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
