OpenAI employees and alumni are reportedly preparing to sell nearly $6 billion worth of company stock to major investors, including SoftBank Group, Thrive Capital, and Dragoneer Investment Group. The potential deal would significantly boost OpenAI’s valuation from $300 billion to $500 billion, reflecting its rapid growth in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry.
OpenAI’s Rising Valuation and Secondary Share Sale
According to sources familiar with the matter, the transaction would be a secondary share sale, allowing current and former OpenAI employees to cash out some of their holdings. The talks are still in early stages, and the size of the deal could change, Bloomberg News reported.
If finalised, this move would further solidify SoftBank’s influence in OpenAI, following its leadership in a $40 billion primary funding round earlier this year.
Why Investors Are Interested in OpenAI
OpenAI has emerged as a global leader in artificial intelligence, thanks to its flagship product, ChatGPT. The AI-powered chatbot has attracted millions of users worldwide, driving both adoption and revenue growth.
- Revenue Growth: OpenAI doubled its revenue in the first seven months of 2025, reaching an annualised run rate of $12 billion.
- Future Projections: The company is on track to hit $20 billion in annual revenue by the end of the year, Reuters reported earlier in August.
Such growth makes OpenAI an attractive bet for investors eager to gain exposure to the booming AI market.
The Role of SoftBank, Thrive, and Dragoneer
SoftBank, Thrive Capital, and Dragoneer Investment Group are all existing investors in OpenAI, and their potential participation in this share sale reinforces their commitment to AI innovation.
While none of the firms have officially commented on the deal, industry watchers say the move reflects intensifying competition among tech giants and venture firms to secure stakes in leading AI companies.
AI Market Competition and Talent Wars
The secondary sale highlights not only OpenAI’s financial strength but also the growing competition in the AI sector. With companies like Google, Anthropic, and xAI pushing forward, talent acquisition has become critical. By raising its valuation to $500 billion, OpenAI sends a strong signal to the market about its position in the AI race.
Conclusion
The proposed $6 billion share sale by OpenAI employees to SoftBank and others could mark another milestone in the company’s meteoric rise. With explosive revenue growth, investor confidence, and global adoption of ChatGPT, OpenAI is cementing itself as one of the most valuable AI companies in the world.
