OpenAI has become the world’s most valuable startup after reaching a staggering $500 billion valuation, driven by strong investor confidence and its widely used artificial intelligence tools. The milestone highlights the company’s growing influence in shaping global AI technology and business trends.
The new valuation came after a $6.6 billion secondary share sale. In this transaction, OpenAI itself did not receive fresh capital. Instead, current and former employees sold part of their shares to large investors such as SoftBank, Thrive Capital, Dragoneer Investment Group, Abu Dhabi’s MGX, and T. Rowe Price. Secondary sales are common for major startups because they give employees an opportunity to cash out some shares while still remaining committed to the company’s future.
Many OpenAI employees chose not to sell all their shares, showing strong belief in the company’s long-term success. With its new valuation, OpenAI has overtaken other leading startups, surpassing SpaceX’s $400 billion valuation and rival AI firm Anthropic, which is worth under $200 billion.
OpenAI’s rapid growth is reflected in its earnings. In the first half of 2025, it generated $4.3 billion in revenue, already more than its total income for 2024. Most of this revenue comes from paid subscriptions to ChatGPT, available to both individuals and companies. Although OpenAI is not yet fully profitable, investors remain optimistic that its strong revenue growth will soon translate into significant profits.
Beyond its financial numbers, OpenAI’s influence extends to how AI is used worldwide. Its tools are applied in writing, coding, and customer service across industries. The impact is seen not only in developed economies but also in countries such as Nigeria, where AI is helping to improve sectors like healthcare, education, and finance. This global reach underscores how OpenAI has changed access to advanced technology, making it available far beyond traditional tech hubs.
The secondary sale also mirrors a broader trend in the tech world. More companies now allow employees to sell part of their shares, which helps retain talent while giving investors entry into fast-growing businesses. For OpenAI, this transaction confirms investor confidence in AI’s role as a driving force in global markets.
For users, this milestone means OpenAI can continue enhancing its tools, making them more powerful and accessible. For employees, it provides financial reward while keeping innovation at the center of the company. For investors, it is a chance to back a leader that is transforming both technology and business worldwide.
OpenAI’s rise to the top of global startups is more than a financial achievement. It shows that artificial intelligence has moved from being experimental to becoming a core part of the world’s economy, shaping industries and everyday life across all continents.