OpenAI is reportedly in talks with investors to raise $6.5 billion at a $150 billion pre-money valuation, according to Bloomberg.
The new valuation is significantly higher than OpenAI’s previously reported valuation from earlier this year, $86 billion, and far higher than any other AI startup today. The funding round will reportedly be led by Thrive Capital, a major investor of OpenAI in previous rounds. Other reported investors include Microsoft, Apple, and Nvidia — OpenAI partners that are all invested in the success of the AI startup, in one way or another.
Bloomberg also reports that OpenAI is in talks to raise $5 billion in debt from a few banks.
In August, the Wall Street Journal reported Thrive was leading a massive funding round for OpenAI, planning to contribute roughly $1 billion. However, the Journal reported OpenAI’s valuation for this round at around $100 billion.