OpenAI’s CEO hints at steep growth, future ambitions, and frustration with constant scrutiny over spending and valuation
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says he’s had “enough” of questions about the company’s financials — but not before revealing that OpenAI is making well over $13 billion in annual revenue. Speaking alongside Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on the BG² podcast, Altman addressed growing speculation about OpenAI’s business performance, costs, and long-term financial strategy.
During the conversation, host Brad Gerstner, founder and CEO of Altimeter Capital, cited reports suggesting OpenAI generates around $13 billion annually. Altman quickly clarified that the company’s numbers are “well more” than that and, in a moment of levity, quipped, “If you want to sell your shares, I’ll find you a buyer.” The exchange prompted laughter from Nadella and underscored Altman’s confidence in OpenAI’s trajectory.
“Enough about our revenue,” Altman said firmly. “There are a lot of people who talk with breathless concern about our compute spending who would be thrilled to buy OpenAI shares.” He added that while he has no plans to take the company public anytime soon, there are moments when the idea of being a public company feels appealing — particularly when critics claim OpenAI is “about to go out of business.”
Rapid Growth and Bigger Ambitions
Despite speculation about OpenAI’s spending commitments — reportedly topping $1 trillion in computing infrastructure over the next decade — Altman said the company’s revenue is growing steeply. He emphasized that OpenAI is making a forward bet on becoming one of the leading AI cloud providers, while continuing to expand its ChatGPT user base and consumer hardware business.
“We believe that AI capable of automating science will create enormous value,” Altman said, outlining a vision where OpenAI’s products extend far beyond chatbots. Nadella, who represents OpenAI’s biggest investor, echoed that optimism, noting that OpenAI has “beaten every business plan it’s ever presented to Microsoft.”
No IPO Yet, But ‘Someday’ Is Likely
When Gerstner later speculated about OpenAI potentially hitting $100 billion in revenue by 2028 or 2029, Altman countered, “How about ’27?” While confident about growth, Altman was quick to dismiss rumors of an OpenAI IPO in 2026, saying, “We don’t have anything that specific. I assume it will happen someday, but there’s no board decision or timeline right now.”
For now, OpenAI remains privately held and tightly focused on growth, with both Altman and Nadella signaling that the partnership between OpenAI and Microsoft continues to deliver results far exceeding expectations.
Conclusion
Sam Altman’s remarks paint a picture of a company confident in its trajectory — and a CEO determined to silence doubts about OpenAI’s future. With accelerating revenue, ambitious projects, and backing from Microsoft, OpenAI seems poised to shape the next decade of artificial intelligence. Follow, share, or comment to stay updated on OpenAI’s latest milestones and insights into the rapidly evolving AI industry.
