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Business|May 20, 2026|2 min read

OpenAI is preparing to file confidentially for an IPO as early as Friday; the company plans to be ready to go public as early as September

OpenAI is working with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley on a confidential IPO filing expected as early as this week, with plans to go public as early as September, according to Wall Street Journal sources.

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Wall Street Journal

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OpenAI, the prominent artificial intelligence company known for its development of ChatGPT, is in the process of preparing a confidential initial public offering (IPO) with the assistance of Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. As reported by sources with knowledge of the situation, the company is expected to submit this filing as soon as Friday, with an intention to launch its public offering as early as September.

This strategic move is a significant milestone for OpenAI, which has achieved a valuation in the tens of billions of dollars, establishing itself as one of the leading privately held AI firms globally. If successful, the IPO would stand as one of the largest technology offerings seen in recent years, providing public investors with the opportunity to acquire shares of the company.

The decision to pursue an IPO comes amid intensified competition from other prominent AI corporations, including Anthropic, which is also entertaining the prospect of going public. The upcoming IPO is indicative of the increasing investor enthusiasm for AI enterprises and signifies the competitive landscape for supremacy in the artificial intelligence sector.

Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, both recognized as leading investment banks worldwide, have been appointed to spearhead the offering. Engaging in a confidential filing process allows OpenAI to organize its materials for review by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) while preserving a degree of discretion during the initial phases of the process.

This development indicates a noteworthy transition for OpenAI, which originally operated as a non-profit organization but has shifted to a for-profit model in recent years. The company is rapidly enhancing its capabilities and service offerings, positioning itself competitively against established tech giants and emerging AI startups in the marketplace.

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