OpenAI plans to go public in Q4 2026, aiming to become the "first stock of large generative AI."

According to sources familiar with the matter, OpenAI has held informal talks with several Wall Street banks and has hired key financial experts, including Chief Accounting Officer Ajmere Dale, in preparation for an IPO in the fourth quarter of 2026. The company is concerned that Anthropic, founded by former OpenAI employees and making continuous progress with its Claude model, may go public first after raising over $10 billion in funding.

Both companies face challenges such as AI infrastructure development and lawsuits. CEO Sam Altman admitted to mixed feelings: he feels no excitement about becoming the CEO of a public company, but going public does have some benefits for OpenAI itself.