OpenAI Delays IPO Plans, Aiming for $1 Trillion Valuation by 2027

OpenAI has officially delayed its initial public offering (IPO) plans, with CEO Sam Altman stating that the company will not pursue a public listing until it reaches a valuation of $1 trillion. This decision comes despite the company’s recent private valuation of approximately $852 billion as of March 2026.

Altman described a $1 trillion valuation as a necessary threshold for the company to consider entering the public markets, deeming any figure below that as insufficient. Internal discussions among OpenAI's executives and advisers led to this strategic shift, particularly in light of recent market volatility and the performance of other tech IPOs, such as SpaceX.

OpenAI had previously filed its S-1 registration statement with the SEC in June 2026, signaling its intent to go public. However, CFO Sarah Friar confirmed that the company is now targeting a 2027 IPO, with the possibility of an earlier listing if market conditions improve significantly.

The company’s valuation trajectory has been impressive, with a 766% increase over the past two years, driven by substantial funding rounds from major investors like Microsoft and Nvidia. Despite this growth, OpenAI remains unprofitable at scale, with annualized revenue estimates ranging between $24 billion and $40 billion.

As OpenAI navigates this path toward a public offering, the focus remains on achieving that $1 trillion valuation, which Altman believes is critical for a successful market debut.