OpenAI is gearing up for a fourth-quarter 2026 IPO, according to the Wall Street Journal. The artificial intelligence leader is engaging in informal discussions with Wall Street lenders, aiming to raise significant capital. This move is driven by concerns that rival Anthropic could beat them to the public markets, with Anthropic also considering a late-2026 IPO.

The IPO is crucial for OpenAI, which burns through tens of billions annually to develop and run its AI models. Recent reports indicate OpenAI sought $100 billion from investors at an $830 billion valuation. A successful IPO could solidify OpenAI's financial position, especially as it competes with rivals like Anthropic.

OpenAI has already secured billions from tech giants like Microsoft, SoftBank, and NVIDIA. Additionally, it is in talks with Amazon for potential fresh funding of up to $50 billion. This funding round underscores the intense competition and high stakes in the AI sector, where major players are vying for dominance.

The upcoming IPO will be closely watched by investors and industry experts, who are eager to see how OpenAI navigates the public markets. With its ambitious growth plans and substantial funding needs, the IPO could set a new benchmark for tech listings, reflecting the high valuation and rapid growth potential of leading AI companies.