OpenAI CEO Sam Altman strongly responded to external financial doubts in a podcast on November 1, saying that the company's annual revenue is much higher than the market rumors of $13 billion, and denied that OpenAI may be strapped for funds.
Whether OpenAI can sustain such a huge expenditure based on its existing income, Altman was obviously impatient and even retorted: "First, our revenue is much more than that. Secondly, if you want to sell your shares, I will find a buyer for you."He emphasized that there is no basis for the relevant pessimistic predictions.
Altman also rarely revealed internal expectations. When the host discussed the possibility of OpenAI reaching a revenue target of $100 billion in 2028 or 2029, he directly asked: "What about 2027?" implying that the company's internal expectations are extremely aggressive.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella "endorsed" on the same stage, saying that OpenAI's business performance continues to exceed all Microsoft's evaluation plans, and pointed out that the cooperation ecosystem between the two parties has grown strongly. Microsoft's current investment in OpenAI brings its shareholding to approximately 27%, with a valuation of approximately US$135 billion.
Despite continued speculation about the IPO timetable, Altman denied short-term listing plans, but admitted that listing is a "realistic option" in the long term. Market rumors indicate that OpenAI may seek a valuation of one trillion U.S. dollars by the end of 2026, becoming one of the largest IPOs in history.
Altman also expressed his dissatisfaction with the negative talk from the outside world: "If we were a listed company, I would rather those people go short and see what happens." Behind the words, OpenAI's strong confidence in future revenue growth and computing power expansion is reflected.