OpenAI, the developer behind the ChatGPT technology, has successfully raised $6.6 billion in a recent funding round. This substantial financial backing is aimed at advancing its research in artificial general intelligence (AGI) for the betterment of humanity, elevating its post-money valuation to an impressive $157 billion.
In its official blog, the AI company, known for its strategic partnership with Microsoft, emphasized that this influx of capital will bolster its leadership in cutting-edge AI research. The funds are earmarked for increasing computational resources and continuing the development of innovative tools designed to tackle complex challenges.
OpenAI stated, "Our journey is just beginning. Our goal is to make advanced intelligence a universally accessible asset. We deeply appreciate the trust our investors have placed in us. Our commitment is to collaborate with partners, developers, and the broader community to forge an AI-driven ecosystem that benefits all. By working closely with significant partners, including the U.S. government and allied nations, we aim to fully leverage the potential of this transformative technology."
Reports indicate that alongside Microsoft, OpenAI has secured investments from prominent entities such as Nvidia, SoftBank, Khosla Ventures, Altimeter Capital, Fidelity, and MGX.
Leading the funding round was Thrive Capital, which had previously contributed around $1 billion to OpenAI. Thrive also expressed its intent to invest an additional $1 billion at the current valuation.
This new valuation marks a substantial increase from the company's previous $86 billion valuation earlier this year, and it is a remarkable leap from the $14 billion valuation in 2021.
ChatGPT reveals that OpenAI has garnered noteworthy investments from various sectors, including tech giants and venture capital firms. Microsoft made a significant $1 billion investment in 2020, followed by a $10 billion infusion in January 2023.
This latest funding round occurs as OpenAI, which initially operated as a non-profit with a mission to develop safe and beneficial AGI for humanity, reportedly considers restructuring its business model to become a benefit-oriented for-profit enterprise. This strategic move is intended to attract a broader spectrum of investors.
Recent leadership changes have also been observed, with Mira Murati, the long-standing Chief Technology Officer, along with research leaders Bob McGrew and Barret Zoph, announcing their departure from the company.
Under the leadership of Sam Altman, OpenAI has established itself as a major force in the AI industry, largely due to the success of ChatGPT. According to OpenAI, ChatGPT is now used weekly by over 250 million individuals worldwide, enhancing their work, creativity, and learning experiences.
Since its launch in 2022, the generative AI tool has experienced rapid growth. OpenAI anticipates further expansion, especially after Apple, during its developers conference in June, introduced Apple Intelligence, featuring several AI capabilities through a partnership with OpenAI.
Headquartered in San Francisco, OpenAI recently announced that it has surpassed 1 million paid users for the business versions of ChatGPT, which were launched last year to increase revenue, demonstrating the growing demand for its services. Nearly half of OpenAI's corporate clientele is based in the United States.
