OpenAI joins SpaceX, ByteDance as top venture-backed startups.
Key Takeaways
- OpenAI's valuation now exceeds $150 billion following a substantial funding round.
- Thrive Capital leads the investment, marking one of the largest in the tech industry.
OpenAI has successfully raised over $6.5 billion in a recent funding round, catapulting its valuation to $157 billion, Bloomberg reported Wednesday.
Led by Thrive Capital, with participation from other global investors, the round makes OpenAI one of the three largest venture-backed startups, alongside SpaceX and ByteDance. It also positions the company as a top contender in the generative AI technology sector.
The financial boost comes at a time when OpenAI faces major changes in its leadership and structure, including a series of high-profile executive departures. Recently, Mira Murati, a key figure in developing OpenAI’s flagship products like ChatGPT, announced her resignation after more than six years with the company.
The company is reportedly considering restructuring its operations to transition from a non-profit controlled model to a for-profit benefit corporation. The change could facilitate greater investment opportunities. However, it raises questions about whether the company will be able to fulfill its mission of developing safe and beneficial AI.
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