OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently stated that the company’s yearly revenue is “well above” $13 billion, and he appeared somewhat irritated when questioned about how OpenAI intends to fund its substantial spending obligations.
Altman’s remarks were made during a joint appearance with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on the Bg2 podcast, where they discussed the collaboration between their organizations. Host Brad Gerstner, who is also the founder and CEO of Altimeter Capital, referenced reports indicating OpenAI is generating about $13 billion in revenue—a significant figure, but still small compared to the company’s over $1 trillion in planned investments for computing infrastructure over the next ten years.
“To start, our revenue is much higher than that,” Altman responded. “Also, Brad, if you’re interested in selling your shares, I can find a buyer for you. Seriously, enough already. There are plenty of people eager to purchase OpenAI stock.”
“Myself included,” Gerstner replied.
Altman went on to say that even those who express strong concerns about OpenAI’s computing investments would be excited to own shares in the company.
He also mentioned that while he rarely wishes OpenAI were a public company, one of the few times it seems attractive is when critics publish exaggerated claims that OpenAI is on the verge of collapse—he’d like to see them try to short the stock and face the consequences.
Altman admitted there are potential pitfalls for the company, such as not securing enough computing power, but emphasized that “revenue is rising rapidly.”
“We’re making a forward-looking bet that our growth will continue, not just with ChatGPT, but also by becoming a leading AI cloud provider, developing a significant consumer device business, and creating immense value with AI that can automate scientific research,” he continued.
Nadella, who laughed throughout much of Altman’s response, also noted that OpenAI has outperformed every business plan it has presented to Microsoft as an investor.
Later in the conversation, Gerstner circled back to discuss OpenAI’s revenue and possible IPO, speculating that the company could reach $100 billion in revenue by 2028 or 2029.
“Why not 2027?” Altman shot back.
He also dismissed rumors that OpenAI is planning to go public next year.
“Absolutely not, we don’t have anything that concrete,” Altman clarified. “I’m realistic—I expect it will happen at some point, but I don’t understand why these stories keep appearing. There’s no set date, no board resolution, nothing like that. I just assume it’s something that will eventually occur.”
