OpenAI faces IPO timing questions as AI rivals move to go public
7 reported3 unconfirmed
OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, is considering an initial public offering as competitors like SpaceX and Anthropic move forward with their own stock market debuts, according to a report from The Guardian. The company has struggled to monetize its AI tools through planned strategies such as advertisements and erotic chatbots, which were announced but not executed. OpenAI reported revenue of $5.7 billion in the first quarter of 2026 but had adjusted negative margins of -122%, meaning it lost $1.22 for every dollar spent, according to The Information. The company does not release financial details, making these numbers unverifiable. OpenAI’s chief executive, Sam Altman, has shifted his tone on AI-related job loss, saying he does not expect a “jobs apocalypse,” a change from his previous statements. The company faces reported internal disagreements between Altman and chief financial officer Sarah Friar over the timeline for going public, with Friar reportedly expressing doubts about readiness this year. Analysts note that the market for AI IPOs is strong but that there is limited capital available, and a failed OpenAI IPO could have broader economic implications.
What’s reported
OpenAI is considering an IPO as rivals SpaceX and Anthropic move to go public.
OpenAI announced but failed to execute strategies to monetize ChatGPT, including advertisements and erotic chatbots.
The Information reports OpenAI made $5.7 billion in revenue in Q1 2026 with adjusted negative margins of -122%.
OpenAI does not release financial details, so these numbers are unverifiable.
Sam Altman changed his tone on AI job loss, now saying he does not expect a “jobs apocalypse.”
CFO Sarah Friar has reportedly expressed doubts about OpenAI being ready to go public this year.
Analysts say there is only a finite amount of capital available for AI IPOs.
Open questions
Whether OpenAI will proceed with an IPO this year.
What OpenAI’s actual financial performance is, as the company does not release financial details.
The outcome of reported disagreements between Sam Altman and Sarah Friar over the IPO timeline.
Key figures
Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI
Sarah Friar, chief financial officer of OpenAI
Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell
Adrian Cox, thematic strategist at the Deutsche Bank Research Institute
Gary Marcus, AI critic and professor at New York University
Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX and xAI
JD Vance, US vice-president
Sources: The Guardian
