OpenAI weighs delaying IPO to 2027 as $1 trillion valuation remains priority

OpenAI is considering delaying its initial public offering until next year as it seeks to preserve its target valuation of up to $1 trillion, according to a report by The New York Times.The report, citing people involved in the company's discussions, said OpenAI's advisers presented two options to executives, which were either wait until 2027 and pursue a $1 trillion valuation, or lower the valuation target in exchange for an earlier public listing.According to the report, Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman rejected the idea of reducing the company's valuation target, making it clear that a lower valuation was not under consideration.OpenAI had confidentially filed for a US initial public offering and was targeting a valuation of up to $1 trillion. Reuters also reported that Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar had told some associates that the company was aiming for a 2027 listing.The listing discussions come as OpenAI also adjusts the rollout of its latest AI model. Reuters reported that the company is introducing GPT-5.6 through a limited preview programme after the US government raised security concerns.According to The Information, the staggered release was requested by the Office of the National Cyber Director and the Office of Science and Technology Policy. During the preview phase, access to the model will be approved on a customer-by-customer basis.The phased launch shows increasing government scrutiny of advanced AI systems even as OpenAI continues to pursue its long-term growth and public market ambitions.Also read: OpenAI makes Cannes Lions debut, pitches ChatGPT ads business as it challenges Google's dominance