It is reported that OpenAI Group PBC and Anthropic PBC are seeking a new round of financing, which could significantly enhance their valuations.
Both companies are anticipated to go public as early as this year. This suggests that the investment currently under discussion could be their final capital raise.
The Wall Street Journal cited sources today stating that SoftBank Group Corp., OpenAI's largest supporter, is seeking to increase its stake in the ChatGPT developer. This capital infusion is expected to reach as high as $30 billion. Last year, SoftBank invested a similar amount in OpenAI, securing an 11% stake.
This Japanese tech giant is not only an investor in the AI provider but also one of its most crucial infrastructure partners. Last year, OpenAI collaborated with a SoftBank subsidiary to establish a 1.2-gigawatt data center hub in Texas. This subsidiary, named SB Energy, will operate the campus on behalf of the ChatGPT developer upon completion of construction.
SoftBank's initial $30 billion investment was part of a larger funding round totaling $41 billion, which included other participants. According to The Wall Street Journal, the upcoming $30 billion infusion may follow a similar structure. SoftBank's investment is expected to be part of a funding round that could total up to $100 billion, potentially valuing OpenAI at $830 billion.
The report did not mention other potential participants in the deal. Last month, CNBC reported that Amazon.com Inc. might invest over $10 billion in OpenAI and provide access to AI chips. Such a deal is noteworthy partly because this cloud computing and retail giant is a major investor in Anthropic, OpenAI's primary startup competitor.
Since March 2024, Amazon has provided $8 billion in funding to Anthropic. Furthermore, it has established a data center campus named Project Rainier to run the AI developer's workloads. It is reported that by the end of 2025, this center hosted 1 million AI chips, and Amazon expects to significantly increase this number.
On Tuesday, the Financial Times reported that Anthropic is seeking a new funding round valued at $20 billion. This round is said to include contributions from OpenAI backer Sequoia Capital, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC, and Coatue.
Sources informed CNBC that Anthropic has already closed a portion of the financing worth $10 to $15 billion. It is reported that Anthropic could raise more funds if Microsoft Corp. and Nvidia Corp. decide to join the round. Microsoft has invested over $10 billion in OpenAI and was its exclusive cloud provider until last year.
This funding round is reported to value Anthropic at $350 billion, nearly double its valuation after its most recent raise. The company is expected to conduct its initial public offering in the second half of 2026. OpenAI is reportedly aiming to go public around the same time with a valuation of $1 trillion.
