AI "peak" timetable revealed? Reports say OpenAI is considering filing as early as the second half of 2026, going public in 2027, with a valuation of $1 trillion.

OpenAI is preparing for a potentially record-breaking IPO. On October 30th, according to Reuters citing informed sources, OpenAI is considering going public at a valuation as high as $1 trillion, with plans to file for listing with securities regulators as early as the second half of 2026, aiming for an official listing in 2027. Although the plan is still in its early stages and may be adjusted based on business growth and market conditions, the preliminary envisioned fundraising scale is at least $60 billion. Yesterday, according to WallstreetCN, OpenAI restructured the company this week, reducing its reliance on Microsoft and paving the way for a future IPO. OpenAI is expected to spend $115 billion by 2029, while this year's revenue is projected to be just $13 billion, creating a huge funding gap. In a public livestream, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman mentioned: Considering our capital needs, an IPO is a possible option. AI Giant Debuts Amid Industry Boom OpenAI's listing plan comes as artificial intelligence sets off an unprecedented frenzy in the global public markets. Earlier this year, after the AI cloud company CoreWeave went public at a $23 billion valuation, its stock price approximately tripled. Chip giant Nvidia became the first company to surpass a $5 trillion market cap on Wednesday, with its soaring stock price cementing its core position in the global AI boom. The hot market environment has created a favorable window for AI giants like OpenAI to take the stage. If it successfully goes public, it will bring substantial returns to its early investors, including Microsoft, SoftBank, Thrive Capital, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX. Currently, after investing $13 billion in OpenAI, Microsoft holds about 27% of the company. OpenAI’s IPO will undoubtedly be the ultimate litmus test to see whether the current AI mania can continue. Altman revealed in yesterday’s livestream that OpenAI’s revenue for this year is expected to be just $13 billion, leaving a huge gap with the projected $115 billion to be spent by 2029 and server costs. Although an IPO would further dilute the interests of existing shareholders, it is critical for the company’s continued operations. The IPO will provide vital capitalization to help the company compete against rivals such as Google and xAI. Multiple Timelines in Parallel OpenAI’s IPO plan is closely aligned with its technology roadmap and business expansion schedule. According to internal plans, by September 2026, OpenAI aims to have an automated AI research intern running on hundreds of thousands of GPUs; by March 2028, the goal is to have a true automated AI researcher. On scientific discovery, the company anticipates that by 2026, its AI system may make small-scale new discoveries; by 2028, major breakthroughs may emerge. Computing power investments are also clearly mapped out. Currently, OpenAI has committed to about 30 GW of computing power, with the total cost of ownership over the coming years estimated at about $1.4 trillion. An even loftier goal is to build an “AI factory” capable of generating 1 GW of new computing power per week at costs far below today’s levels. The New Structure after Restructuring The IPO preparations come after OpenAI completed a complex corporate restructuring, a move seen as reducing its reliance on main backer Microsoft. From its founding as a non-profit in 2015, and through several structural shifts, OpenAI now has a new architecture: a non-profit called OpenAI Foundation manages a public benefit company named OpenAI Group. The foundation initially owns 26% of OpenAI Group; if certain milestones are met, the foundation can gain additional shares through warrants. This change makes the non-profit a major beneficiary of OpenAI’s financial success. The recent restructuring turned early investor stakes into common equity and removed caps on shareholder financial returns, clearing institutional obstacles for a potential IPO and greatly boosting attractiveness to public market investors. Risk Disclosure and Disclaimer The market has risks and investments require caution. This article does not constitute personal investment advice and does not take into account individual users' specific investment goals, financial situation, or needs. Users should consider whether any opinion, viewpoint, or conclusion in this article suits their particular situation. Investing based on this is at your own risk.