OpenAI explores $30 billion funding at $1.4 trillion valuation

OpenAI is exploring a funding round of at least $30 billion at a proposed pre-money valuation of about $1.4 trillion, according to reporting based on people familiar with the discussions. The talks are at an early stage, and the amount and valuation could change; OpenAI has not confirmed the reported plan. The proposed financing would give the company additional capital as it delays a near-term public offering. Chief Executive Sam Altman has said OpenAI would not go public this year, describing the timing as ill-advised and citing the need to focus on AI safety. The reported discussions do not establish that a deal will be completed or that investors will accept the proposed terms. The reported target would mark a substantial increase from OpenAI’s most recent financing. In March, the company raised $122 billion at a post-money valuation of $852 billion, according to reports. A pre-money valuation is calculated before new capital is added, while a post-money valuation includes it, so the figures describe different stages of a financing.