OpenAI on the verge of record-breaking round: $40B from SoftBank and trillion-dollar ambitions
OpenAI, creators of ChatGPT, are preparing for the largest funding round in their history: the company is close to securing $40 billion led by Japan’s SoftBank, Bloomberg reports.
The deal, announced on March 26, 2025, values OpenAI at $300 billion—almost double its previous valuation of $157 billion from October 2024. Investors include Magnetar Capital, Coatue Management, Founders Fund, and Altimeter Capital, underscoring global interest in the AI giant.
This round represents more than just funding—it’s a strategic bet on the future. Investors, including SoftBank, see OpenAI as potentially becoming the “next Google” or even the “next trillion-dollar player” in the race toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
OpenAI forecasts that its revenue will triple in 2025 to reach $12.7 billion, up from $3.7 billion in 2024, and is expected to hit $30 billion by 2026. This growth is driven by subscription services for both private users and businesses, solidifying OpenAI’s position as one of the AI market leaders.
However, ambition comes with questions. OpenAI does not currently plan an IPO, and according to sources, the company does not expect positive cash flow until 2029, when revenue might reach $125 billion. This raises concerns about the sustainability of its business model, especially amid competition from companies such as China’s DeepSeek, which recently updated its V3 model. Nonetheless, SoftBank is betting on long-term success, aiming to become a key player in the global AI race.
