OpenAI has raised $6.6 billion in a new funding round, valuing the company at $157 billion, according to Bloomberg. The investment aims to help OpenAI maintain its leading position in generative AI technology. It is one of the largest private investments ever made.
The funding round was led by Thrive Capital. Investors include Microsoft, Nvidia, SoftBank, and the new Abu Dhabi-based tech investment firm MGX. OpenAI plans to use the money for AI research and to expand its computing capacity. CFO Sarah Friar emphasized that AI is already personalizing learning, accelerating medical breakthroughs, and increasing productivity.
Despite the success of its chatbot ChatGPT, the company faces challenges. These include internal restructuring and the loss of key executives. At the same time, competition is growing from tech giants like Google and Amazon, as well as new AI startups. OpenAI is also considering changing its structure from a non-profit to a for-profit organization to accommodate investors.