Tech giants Apple and Nvidia are reportedly in discussions to invest in OpenAI as part of a new fundraising round that would value the artificial intelligence firm behind ChatGPT at over $100 billion. This news follows a report from the Wall Street Journal indicating that venture-capital firm Thrive Capital is set to lead the funding round with an investment of around $1 billion.
OpenAI has become increasingly central to Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy, with the iPhone maker integrating OpenAI’s popular chatbot, ChatGPT, into Apple devices as part of its “Apple Intelligence” initiative launched in June. The collaboration is seen as a significant step in enhancing AI-driven experiences across Apple’s product ecosystem.
Apple and OpenAI have yet to respond to Reuters’ requests for comment on the matter, while Nvidia, Thrive Capital, and Microsoft have declined to comment.
In addition to its potential investment, Apple is also reported to gain an observer role on OpenAI’s board. This move would further solidify Apple’s relationship with OpenAI, positioning the tech giant closer to the cutting-edge advancements in AI technology.
Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest strategic investor with more than $10 billion already invested, is also expected to participate in the funding round. However, the exact investment amounts from Apple and Microsoft remain undisclosed.
The high valuation of OpenAI is largely attributed to the AI arms race it ignited with the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. The chatbot’s unprecedented success prompted companies across various industries to pour billions into AI technology, aiming to stay ahead of the competition and capture substantial market share.
In February 2024, OpenAI was valued at $80 billion following a deal that saw the company selling existing shares in a tender offer led by Thrive Capital.