OpenAI raises $6.6 billion at a valuation of $157 billion! Huida and Microsoft both participated in the investment

OpenAI successfully raises $6.6 billion

According to CNBC, artificial intelligence company OpenAI has raised an additional $6.6 billion in funding from institutional investors, bringing the company's valuation to $157 billion. The institutions participating in this round of financing include Thrive Capital Khosla Ventures、SoftBank、Altimeter Capital、Fidelity、MGX、Tiger Global， And technology giants Nvidia and Microsoft.

It is reported that OpenAI raised funds in this financing through convertible bonds, which can be converted into equity when the company successfully transforms into a for-profit commercial entity with unlimited profits, and get rid of the upper limit of profit returns and dependence on non-profit governance structures.

OpenAI plans to transform into a profit model

It is reported that OpenAI is restructuring its company structure and transforming into a purely for-profit business model. However, this transformation requires overcoming complex regulatory requirements and has also raised questions about the legality of such restructuring.

After OpenAI announced its intention to change its business model, its co-founder Elon Musk immediately publicly criticized this transformation as "illegal". However, according to regulations in California (where OpenAI is headquartered), the state allows non-profit companies to transform into for-profit companies through a complex process. Firstly, transform the company into a for-profit joint-stock company, and then transform it into a limited liability company (LLC).

On the other hand, in order to justify its valuation of over $150 billion, OpenAI is seeking to expand its revenue streams and explore high-end subscription options that may cost up to $2000 per month.

According to a report by The New York Times, OpenAI's revenue last month was $300 million, an increase of 1700% since the beginning of last year. According to a person close to OpenAI, the company expects sales to reach $11.6 billion next year, up from $3.7 billion in 2024. In addition, OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar also told the media that there are currently 250 million weekly active users on ChatGPT. A person close to the company pointed out that there are still 11 million ChatGPT Plus subscribers and 1 million paying enterprise users on ChatGPT.