OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has expressed deep reservations about leading the company as a public entity, even as speculation grows over a potential initial public offering (IPO).
Speaking on the Big Technology Podcast released Thursday, Altman admitted he has “0%” enthusiasm for the prospect of being a public company CEO. “Am I excited for OpenAI to be a public company? In some ways, I am, and in some ways I think it’d be really annoying,” he said.
Altman explained that while he values the flexibility of remaining private, OpenAI’s rapid growth means it will eventually need to cross “shareholder limits and stuff at some point.” He acknowledged that public markets allow broader participation in value creation, but stressed that the burdens of public company leadership hold little appeal.
Founded in 2015 by Altman and eleven others, OpenAI has become one of the most valuable technology firms in the world following the launch of its generative AI chatbot, ChatGPT, in 2022. The platform now boasts 800 million weekly users and has secured deals worth $1 trillion with major partners including Oracle, Nvidia and AMD.
In October, OpenAI reached a $500 billion valuation after a secondary share sale, briefly overtaking Elon Musk’s SpaceX as the world’s most valuable private company. SpaceX has since reclaimed the title. Reports from The Information this week suggest OpenAI is seeking to raise billions more at a $750 billion valuation.
Signs of IPO preparation have emerged in recent months. Reuters reported in October that OpenAI could file with securities regulators as early as the second half of 2026. However, Altman downplayed the likelihood of an imminent listing, saying: “We will be very late to go public.” Asked if an IPO could happen next year, he replied simply: “I don’t know.”
Altman’s comments highlight the tension between OpenAI’s need for vast capital to sustain its growth and the challenges of navigating public market scrutiny. While investors and analysts continue to speculate on the timing of an IPO, Altman’s remarks suggest the company is in no rush to make the transition.
Sources: The Information, Reuters, Big Technology Podcast, Al Jazeera
