OpenAI hasn't held pre-IPO investor meetings or set timeline yet, sources say

Sources indicate that OpenAI has not yet conducted any pre-IPO meetings aimed at gauging investor interest and potential pricing strategies. Furthermore, the company has yet to establish a formal timeline for its initial public offering (IPO). According to insiders who requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the discussions, these exploratory meetings with investors are expected to commence once OpenAI gains better clarity on its timing. Earlier this month, OpenAI submitted a confidential prospectus to the Securities and Exchange Commission, generating enthusiasm among investors eager to enter the artificial intelligence sector. Despite this positive development, the company has been cautious about raising expectations regarding its public market debut, stating in a post on X that the IPO may still be some time away. Recent reports suggest that OpenAI is tentatively eyeing a 2027 IPO, although the company has not publicly confirmed this timeline. OpenAI did not respond to CNBC's request for comments regarding its IPO plans. The anticipation surrounding OpenAI's moves follows the recent listing of Elon Musk's SpaceX, which made headlines and positioned him as the world's first trillionaire. SpaceX's stock has experienced fluctuations in its initial trading weeks, reflecting the volatile nature of such market entries. In addition, Anthropic, OpenAI's chief competitor, has also filed its prospectus with regulators without providing a specific timeline for its IPO. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, mentioned earlier that the company would pursue an IPO when it makes strategic sense. He emphasized that while there is a competitive race to deliver cutting-edge technology, the timing of going public is not their primary focus right now. This cautious approach highlights the complex landscape of the AI industry and its impact on investor sentiment.