OpenAI is in talks to buy back employee-held shares, valuing the ChatGPT creator at $500 billion—signalling a new benchmark for AI startups in Europe.
OpenAI has entered negotiations with investors, including existing backer Thrive Capital, to repurchase shares from current and former employees. If finalised, the deal would ascribe a $500 billion valuation to the company—up from $300 billion during its $40 billion funding round earlier this year.
For Belgian stakeholders, this move highlights the increasing capital flowing into artificial intelligence and the premium placed on talent retention. Rapidly scaling tech firms often grant stock packages to secure key staff; OpenAI’s latest push appears designed to stem departures to competitors such as Meta. Indeed, several AI researchers have already migrated to Meta’s AI division in recent months.
A successful transaction would not only bolster OpenAI’s balance sheet but also set a fresh valuation reference for European growth equity and M&A deals in the AI sector.
