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OpenAI nears $30 billion funding round at $1.25 trillion value

Published

OpenAI is close to finishing a funding round of up to $30 billion, led by investors from the United Arab Emirates and Coatue, people familiar with the deal said. The round is a bridge ahead of a possible share listing.

The $1.25 trillion figure is a pre-money valuation. People familiar with the deal said the final size of the round is still being decided. OpenAI told investors on Thursday that it hopes to secure signatures by the end of next week.

One person familiar with the matter said OpenAI is also negotiating a commercial deal that would give it more computing capacity from the UAE. The financing is described as an "opportunistic" bridge ahead of a possible initial public offering (IPO).

Reports also said OpenAI cut its valuation target from $1.4 trillion after some investors resisted the higher price. The IPO could take place in the first half of 2027, according to those reports.

At $1.25 trillion, OpenAI would become the most highly valued private company ever, according to reports.

Key facts

Who
Coatue (US venture firm expected to participate in the round)
When
22 October 2026
Where
UAE, United Arab Emirates
Status
Reported

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