OpenAI recently hired new leaders to handle accounting and investor relations|World Economic Forum|CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
ChatGPT maker OpenAI is getting ready for a possible stock market debut in the fourth quarter of this year as competition in the AI industry grows, reports the Wall Street Journal.
The world’s most valuable AI startup has started informal talks with Wall Street banks and is building its finance team, signaling serious IPO plans. The company recently hired new leaders to handle accounting and investor relations.
The timing matters. Analysts expect a strong rebound in IPOs, and 2026 could be one of the busiest years for new listings. OpenAI also faces growing pressure from rival Anthropic and rising costs to build AI systems.
It recently announced that ads will come to its free and Go plans.
Going public could help OpenAI raise money and boost investor confidence. However, the company still faces challenges, including legal issues and intense competition from other tech giants entering the AI race.