OpenAI Plans $4 Billion Push With Four Private Equity Giants to Expand Enterprise AI Ahead of IPO

OpenAI is at the center of the generative AI boom but remains privately held, preventing retail investors from buying its shares directly. Investors have instead sought indirect exposure through companies with stakes in or partnerships with OpenAI, including Microsoft, SoftBank, Nvidia and OpenAI shareholder Eightco, hoping to benefit from growth in corporate AI spending and model commercialization.

OpenAI was previously reported to be planning an IPO in the fourth quarter of 2026 at a target valuation of $1 trillion, with annualized revenue at the time exceeding $25 billion. Rival Anthropic's annualized revenue had reached $19 billion, an approximately tenfold increase from a year earlier. The latest reports, however, indicate that the listing plan may be put on hold and delayed until 2027.

OpenAI’s capital needs have surged as it has continued investing in large models, AI chips and data centers since launching ChatGPT in November 2022. The SoftBank-led financing set records for a single funding round in Silicon Valley and the AI industry. It also reflects OpenAI’s push into the enterprise market and preparations for a potential IPO.

OpenAI announced in July 2026 that it had completed a $122 billion funding round at a post-money valuation of $852 billion, while monthly revenue had surpassed $2 billion. The proceeds will fund chips, data centers and model development. Some employees will also be able to sell shares through the transaction, and OpenAI tapped retail investors through bank distribution channels for the first time.