OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has postponed the company's planned IPO from 2026 to 2027. Altman stated that a public listing this year would be ill-advised, emphasizing that safety and AI alignment must be prioritized over the pressures of public markets.
The company is reportedly focusing on securing large private funding rounds to bridge the gap until the 2027 listing. Speculation suggests a potential raise of $30 billion, based on an estimated valuation of approximately $1.4 trillion.
For context, OpenAI was valued at approximately $852 billion in March 2026. The company had previously filed confidentially for an IPO, meaning this decision represents a formal retreat from an ongoing regulatory process.
Altman highlighted two primary risks: the loss of human control over AI systems and the extreme concentration of power. He noted that even a 10% probability of AI-driven extinction by the end of the decade is unacceptable.
To address these challenges, Altman has advocated for international coordination between labs and governments. He presented this position to the UN Security Council on September 23, calling for collaborative oversight to manage the risks of rapid AI advancement.
