OpenAI is weighing an initial public offering as early as 2027, according to sources familiar with internal discussions. The artificial intelligence company, backed by Microsoft and other tech giants, has reportedly been exploring various strategic options to unlock shareholder value and provide liquidity for early investors and employees.

The potential timeline positions OpenAI to follow its rival Anthropic PBC into the public markets, creating a competitive dynamic between the two AI powerhouses. Both companies have attracted significant venture capital investment and high-profile partnerships, with their valuations soaring amid the generative AI boom that followed ChatGPT's launch in late 2022.

A public listing would mark a significant milestone for the artificial intelligence sector, potentially valuing OpenAI in the tens of billions based on previous private funding rounds. The move could provide a clearer picture of the company's financial performance and growth trajectory as it competes with tech giants and startups alike in the race for AI dominance.

Such an offering would test investor appetite for AI companies after the market frenzy around generative technology peaked in 2023. The delay until 2027 suggests OpenAI wants to establish clearer revenue streams and regulatory positioning before facing public market scrutiny.