OpenAI to Delay Trillion-Dollar IPO to 2027?

The Business Times (Singapore)
The Business Times (Singapore)Jun 26, 2026

Why It Matters

A delayed, trillion‑dollar IPO would reshape AI market dynamics and signal escalating government oversight, affecting investors and competitors alike.

Key Takeaways

  • OpenAI may postpone IPO until 2027, targeting $1 trillion valuation
  • Sam Altman insists any valuation below $1 trillion is unacceptable
  • U.S. government urges staggered model releases over security concerns
  • GPT‑5.6 preview limited to select partners, access approved case‑by‑case
  • Rival Anthropic forced to halt model exports, highlighting regulatory pressure

Summary

OpenAI’s anticipated initial public offering, originally slated for 2024, may be pushed back to 2027 as the company weighs a $1 trillion valuation against a lower‑priced, earlier listing.

According to a New York Times report, executives have two paths: wait another year to chase the trillion‑dollar target, or go public sooner at a reduced price. CEO Sam Altman has publicly declared any valuation below $1 trillion a non‑starter, underscoring the firm’s confidence in its growth trajectory.

Washington officials have simultaneously pressed OpenAI to stagger the rollout of its next‑generation model, GPT‑5.6, citing national‑security risks. The company plans a limited preview for select partners, with government‑by‑government approval for each user. The move mirrors a recent directive that forced Anthropic to suspend exports of its latest models.

If OpenAI delays, the market could see a prolonged valuation gap between AI startups and traditional tech giants, while heightened regulatory scrutiny may shape product timelines and investor expectations across the sector.

Original Description

The ChatGPT-maker is leaning towards holding off on an initial public offering until 2027, according to a report by the New York Times on Thurs (Jun 25). OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reportedly said anything less than US$1 trillion is a non-starter.
Video: Reuters

Comments

Want to join the conversation?

Loading comments...