OpenAI has closed a deal in the secondary market that puts its valuation at $500.000 billion , a milestone that places it as the most valuable startup on the planet and consolidates its role in the race for generative artificial intelligence.
The jump came after a secondary sale of around 6.600 billion in shares by current and former employees, acquired by a group of investors including Thrive Capital, SoftBank Group, Dragoneer Investment Group, MGX and T. Rowe Price.
A secondary operation that boosts valuation
The deal significantly raises the previous benchmark of around $300.000 billion and puts the company led by Sam Altman ahead of SpaceX , whose valuation is estimated at around $400.000 billion.
This is a liquidity move for current and former employees: it does not issue new shares, but rather changes hands with existing capital , a common format in high-growth private companies to price their shares on the market.
Who bought the shares and under what conditions
According to sources familiar with the transaction, the package was acquired by a consortium led by Thrive Capital , with SoftBank, Dragoneer, MGX, and T. Rowe Price also participating. The group is thus expanding its exposure to one of the most significant investments in the AI ​​sector.
The investing companies declined to comment publicly on the details, and the negotiation was conducted privately, as is customary in this type of agreement in the secondary market.
Signals that the sale sends to employees and investors
OpenAI had authorized the sale of up to $10.000 billion in shares, but the final volume placed was lower. This difference is interpreted by the market as a sign of internal confidence in the company's future trajectory.
For the workers, these liquidity windows allow them to realize part of the value accumulated in stock options without having to wait for a possible IPO, while also testing the appetite of large funds for the company.
Revenue, prior financing and growth rate
On an operational level, the company would have earned approximately $4.300 billion during the first half of 2025, a figure that, according to specialized publications, exceeds by around 16% all that was billed the previous year.
In parallel, SoftBank had previously participated in one of OpenAI's ventures, which underlines the presence of major institutional players in its shareholding and the sustained interest in its roadmap.
Market impact and competitive position
With this valuation, OpenAI takes the top spot in the ranking of the most valuable startups, surpassing SpaceX . This move reinforces the perception that generative AI continues to attract large-scale capital, despite the volatility of the technology sector.
Although the secondary sale does not bring in fresh cash, it does set a benchmark price for future rounds and serves as a barometer of investor interest in the company's products and models, from ChatGPT to its enterprise tools.
The new $500.000 billion valuation puts OpenAI in a privileged position: with top-tier investors, liquidity for its talent, and a rising revenue rate, the company faces its next steps with a valuation that sets it apart from the rest of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
