OpenAI employees selling $1.5 billion in shares to SoftBank, valuing firm at $157 billion.

From Investing.com: 2024-11-27 00:41:38

OpenAI allows employees to sell $1.5 billion in shares to SoftBank in new deal, seeking more investors. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son invested $500 million in previous funding round. Offer open to current and former employees until December 24, unrelated to for-profit transition.

Recent $1.5 billion tender offer adds to OpenAI’s $6.6 billion funding round, valuing firm at $157 billion. SoftBank plans to increase AI investments, launching own AI ventures. SoftBank also invested in AI startups Glean, Perplexity, and Poolside through Vision Fund.

SoftBank becomes latest high-profile investor in OpenAI, holding large stake after ChatGPT launch. Microsoft and NVIDIA are among biggest investors in OpenAI. Company remains privately held, no financial disclosure.

SoftBank actively investing in AI, looking to expand presence in fast-growing technology sector. OpenAI and SoftBank not available for immediate comment.



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