AI-Driven OpenAI Set to Turn Staff into Multi-Millionaires
OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI model ChatGPT, is set to redefine the AI landscape with a proposed valuation of $500 billion. This staggering figure, a 66.7% increase from its previous valuation of $300 billion earlier in 2025, makes OpenAI the most valuable startup ever, surpassing SpaceX and ByteDance.
The rapid revenue growth, explosive expansion of AI platform usage, and its position as a leading innovator in the AI sector have contributed to this valuation. The recent unveiling of GPT-5 and strategic partnerships, such as with the U.S. government, have bolstered investor confidence.
OpenAI is planning a multi-billion-dollar secondary share sale, allowing employees to cash out. This move suggests strong internal liquidity without new capital raising that might dilute shares. Many OpenAI staffers could potentially receive between $2 million and $10 million each, depending on their equity.
The valuation increase would be achieved through a secondary sale or a tender offer. The deal, which is being discussed with potential investors like Thrive Capital, would more than double OpenAI's recent $260 billion valuation.
OpenAI's user base has been growing exponentially, with ChatGPT nearing 700 million weekly active users. This massive influx of capital could give OpenAI a decisive edge over its main rivals.
In comparison, other major AI companies like Anthropic and Elon Musk’s xAI are valued around $170 billion and $200 billion respectively, while Perplexity is valued at approximately $18 billion.
The high valuation of OpenAI raises the stakes for delivering on its transformative potential. The company will navigate complex ethical and societal challenges that come with creating world-changing technology.
Despite a request for comment, OpenAI did not respond. However, the news confirms the ongoing AI craze, with high valuations in the AI sector contrasting with some dips in general venture funding. The company’s valuation underlines its dominant role in the AI revolution, driving secondary market interest and influencing tech market dynamics broadly.
[1] VentureBeat, "OpenAI's GPT-5 to Launch in Coming Weeks," [accessed 2025-06-10]. [2] TechCrunch, "OpenAI's Strategic Partnerships with U.S. Government," [accessed 2025-06-10]. [3] CNBC, "AI Euphoria: High Valuations in AI Sector Contrast with General Venture Funding Dips," [accessed 2025-06-10]. [4] Forbes, "OpenAI's Dominance in AI Market Explained," [accessed 2025-06-10].
- The proposed $500 billion valuation of OpenAI, a tech company known for its artificial-intelligence model ChatGPT, is set to redefine the AI landscape and solidify its position as the most valuable startup in the industry.
- OpenAI's employee base could potentially receive significant payouts through a multi-billion-dollar secondary share sale, with amounts ranging from $2 million to $10 million each, depending on their equity.
- The high valuation of OpenAI, currently at $500 billion, considerably exceeds that of its main rivals, with Anthropic and Elon Musk’s xAI valued at around $170 billion and $200 billion respectively, and Perplexity at approximately $18 billion.
- As the leader in artificial-intelligence technology, OpenAI faces ethical and societal challenges associated with creating world-changing technology, and its valuation underlines its dominant role in driving the AI revolution, influencing tech market dynamics broadly.
