OpenAI Rushes To Close $30 Billion Funding Round Ahead Of Anthropic's IPO

OpenAI is swiftly seeking to secure a $30 billion funding round prior to Anthropic's anticipated IPO, aiming to value the ChatGPT maker at over $1.4 trillion. The investment round, reported by Reuters, would make it one of the largest of its kind. Existing backers, including Japan's SoftBank Group and Abu Dhabi-based MGX, are reportedly in talks to participate.

OpenAI is making a concentrated effort to finalize the deal ahead of Anthropic's IPO, which is expected to take place in mid-November. This timeline is notably quicker than typical for a deal of this magnitude. The sources suggest that OpenAI's haste is driven by the fact that both AI labs are pursuing a similar group of investors.

OpenAI has been actively engaging with long-only funds and sovereign wealth funds, coinciding with Anthropic's recent investor day. Some investors speculate that OpenAI's aggressive approach is an attempt to attract capital from potential competitors. With both companies vying for trillion-dollar valuations, investors must weigh two complex deals within a short timeframe.

OpenAI is presenting its growth trajectory to potential investors, highlighting a surge in growth following the release of its GPT-6 Astra model. The company claims to have achieved $50 billion in annualized revenue, with an expectation to reach $70 billion by year-end. OpenAI has also reduced prices on its lower-cost models, leading to increased usage, and has indicated the possibility of further price reductions.

The timing of OpenAI's funding round is strategic, as Anthropic's IPO disclosures will expose the latter to increased scrutiny. By completing its raise before Anthropic's disclosures, OpenAI aims to avoid direct comparisons that could lead investors to question its performance. Additionally, the two companies employ different revenue recognition methods, with OpenAI deducting partners' shares upfront and accusing Anthropic of overstating its revenue figures.