OpenAI Raises $40 Billion, Reaching a $300 Billion Valuation

OpenAI makes a big move. With a funding round led by SoftBank, the AI company secures 40 billion dollars. Result: its valuation rises to 300 billion. A strong signal for the entire tech industry!

SoftBank injects 40 billion into AI: OpenAI’s strategy enters a new dimension

It seems that AI company OpenAI is entering a phase of unprecedented growth. The financial contribution of 40 billion from SoftBank is indeed the largest private fundraising ever recorded in the technology sector.

OpenAI’s valuation now reaches 300 billion dollars, positioning it just behind SpaceX in the ranking of the most valued private companies.

The majority of the funds aim to strengthen technological infrastructure. OpenAI plans to allocate 18 billion to the Stargate project. This program aims to create a vast network of data centers specializing in AI in partnership with Oracle, SoftBank, and other industry players.

In its statement, OpenAI claims it wants to use these resources to develop systems capable of:

• stimulating scientific research.
• personalizing education.
• amplifying human creativity.
• approaching general artificial intelligence (AGI).

The technical ambitions are accompanied by a long-term vision. OpenAI aims to establish itself as the architect of a centralized, high-performance, and sustainable global AI.

A record growth that pushes OpenAI to rethink its structure

OpenAI will first receive 10 billion from SoftBank. To unlock the remaining 30 billion, the AI company will need to move away from its hybrid model to adopt a fully capitalist status.

Indeed, the clause included by SoftBank stipulates a reduction of its investment to 20 billion if the legal transition does not occur before December 31, 2025. This shift therefore implies a formal disengagement from the historical non-profit branch, founded in 2015. It will require the approval:

• from Microsoft, a major strategic partner.
• from the Attorney General of California.

According to experts, this change could emerge internal tensions. Elon Musk, co-founder of OpenAI and a recurring critic of its governance, could indeed oppose this reconfiguration.

Beyond legal considerations, the shift in model also raises questions about the very identity of the company: can it still embody a beneficial and open AI while yielding to the most classical financial logics?

In any case, OpenAI confirms (once again!) its role in the AI revolution. Its future will depend on its ability to reconcile technological ambitions, economic demands, and ethical responsibilities, as shown in the roadmap recently unveiled by Sam Altman.