OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has offered little clarity on speculation surrounding a potential initial public offering, while candidly admitting he has no personal enthusiasm for leading a public company. Speaking on the Big Technology Podcast hosted by Alex Kantrowitz, Altman addressed growing media reports suggesting OpenAI could go public as early as late 2026 or 2027 at a valuation that may reach $1 trillion.
When asked directly about the prospect of an IPO, Altman was blunt. “Am I excited to be a public company CEO? 0%,” he said. While he acknowledged some benefits of OpenAI becoming a public company, he also described the idea as potentially “really annoying,” reflecting his mixed feelings about public-market scrutiny and operational constraints.
Recent reports from The Wall Street Journal and Reuters have fuelled speculation about OpenAI’s listing plans, while The Information has claimed the company is in talks to raise tens of billions of dollars at a valuation of around $750 billion. Altman, however, declined to confirm either the timing of an IPO or the reported fundraising discussions, stating he does not know whether OpenAI will pursue a public listing in 2026.
Despite his reservations, Altman acknowledged the strategic appeal of public markets. He noted that it is “cool” for public investors to participate in value creation and emphasised that OpenAI operates a highly capital-intensive business that requires substantial funding to remain competitive in the fast-moving AI landscape.
Altman also suggested that OpenAI has benefited from staying private longer than most technology companies, allowing it to focus on long-term goals. However, he conceded that regulatory and shareholder limits could eventually push the company toward public markets, even if personal excitement about that transition remains low.
