OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Pushes Back on Revenue and IPO Rumors

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman told listeners that the company’s revenue exceeds the $13 billion figure that has been reported, and he brushed off speculation about an imminent public listing. Speaking alongside Microsoft chief Satya Nadella, Altman emphasized the firm’s steep revenue growth, its massive compute‑spending commitments, and the long‑term focus on AI products such as ChatGPT. While acknowledging critics’ concerns, he said the company is well‑positioned and has no concrete plans to go public in the near future.

Altman’s Revenue Assertion

During a joint interview with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, OpenAI founder Sam Altman addressed recent reports that the startup is generating roughly $13 billion in annual revenue. Altman rejected the notion that this figure represents a ceiling, stating that the company is doing "well more" than that amount. He emphasized that revenue is climbing "steeply" and that OpenAI’s financial trajectory is far from settled.

Compute‑Spending Commitments

The discussion turned to the firm’s extensive compute spending. Altman noted that OpenAI has pledged more than $1 trillion in computing infrastructure commitments over the next decade. He highlighted that the company’s growth is tied to securing sufficient compute resources, but he expressed confidence that the required capacity will be obtained.

Critics and Market Speculation

When pressed about critics who claim OpenAI could run out of cash, Altman responded with humor, suggesting that those doubters could simply short the stock and watch it burn. He acknowledged that there are “not many times” when an IPO might be appealing, but reiterated that no specific timeline or board decision exists for a public offering.

Partnership with Microsoft

Altman and Nadella also discussed the strategic partnership between their companies. Nadella praised OpenAI’s performance, saying the startup has "beaten" every business plan presented to Microsoft as an investor. Altman echoed this optimism, noting that the collaboration helps both firms advance AI capabilities.

Future Outlook

While some commentators speculated about OpenAI reaching $100 billion in revenue by the late 2020s, Altman cautioned against taking such projections as fact. He reiterated that the company is focused on delivering value through AI products, including the continued growth of ChatGPT and the development of AI‑driven scientific tools.

Conclusion

Overall, Altman’s remarks painted a picture of a company experiencing rapid revenue growth, backed by massive compute investments, and operating under a long‑term AI vision. He dismissed immediate IPO rumors, positioning OpenAI as a privately held entity that will consider public markets only when the timing aligns with its strategic goals.