OpenAI releases GPT-6.1 Sol, cuts costs while boosting safety

OpenAI seeks $30B at $1.4T valuation ahead of IPO

OpenAI is negotiating a massive $30 billion pre-IPO round that would push its valuation to $1.4 trillion, signaling immense capital confidence despite the company delaying its public debut until after 2026. This surge follows a strategic pivot toward coding tools that drove run-rate revenue up 70% to $40 billion in August. CEO Sam Altman’s refusal to list sooner places safety research above market timing, effectively treating this capital injection as a bridge rather than an exit. The sheer scale of the ask redefines the financial ceiling for AI infrastructure and safety research. Investors are betting that OpenAI can sustain its lead against competitors like Anthropic while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. This round ensures the company has the resources to continue its current trajectory without immediate public market scrutiny. The delay in IPO also suggests a longer runway for internal development and safety testing before facing shareholder demands.