Leading artificial intelligence company OpenAI has closed a highly anticipated investment round, raising $6.6 billion and pushing its valuation to $157 billion. This move places OpenAI among the world’s most valuable companies.
The funding round was led by Thrive Capital, which contributed $1.25 billion. Other major participants included Microsoft, Khosla Ventures, Nvidia, SoftBank, Fidelity Management and Research Company, Altimeter Capital, and Abu Dhabi’s state-backed venture capital firm, MGX.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, OpenAI imposed a key condition on investors: they were required not to back competing AI firms such as Elon Musk’s xAI or Anthropic. CEO Sam Altman openly expressed his desire for this exclusive investment agreement, a move that is expected to intensify competition within the AI ecosystem.
The new funding comes at a tumultuous time for OpenAI. While CEO Sam Altman remains the last of the founding team, the company recently saw the departure of key figures such as CTO Mira Murati, CRO Bob McGrew, and VP of Research Barret Zoph. These exits mark a significant loss for OpenAI’s founding and research teams.
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