OpenAI has become one of the most talked-about AI companies in the world. With rapid developments in artificial intelligence, many are curious to know who owns OpenAI and how the organization is structured. This article explores the company’s ownership, leadership, and business arms in detail.
History of OpenAI
OpenAI was founded in December 2015 by a group of high-profile tech entrepreneurs, including Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever, John Schulman, and Wojciech Zaremba. It started as a non-profit research lab with a mission to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity.
Initially, it received a pledge of $1 billion in donations, with major contributions from Elon Musk and other Silicon Valley leaders.
However, in 2019, the organization shifted its structure by creating a for-profit subsidiary called OpenAI LP. This change allowed the company to secure outside investment while maintaining some nonprofit principles through its parent entity.
Who Owns OpenAI: Top Shareholders
OpenAI is owned by a mix of stakeholders across its for-profit and nonprofit arms. The nonprofit entity, OpenAI Inc., serves as the controlling organization. It oversees OpenAI LP, the for-profit subsidiary that conducts commercial operations. Investors, employees, and the nonprofit board all play a role in ownership and governance.
Unlike traditional tech companies, OpenAI’s structure is unique. It includes a “capped-profit” model, which limits returns for investors to 100 times their investment. This model ensures that the company prioritizes safe and responsible AI development over maximizing shareholder profits.
Below is an overview of the major shareholders of OpenAI as of 2025:
| Shareholder | Type | Estimated Stake | Role / Involvement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenAI Inc. | Nonprofit | Controlling interest | Governs OpenAI LP, final decision-making authority | Ensures adherence to mission and ethics; appoints board |
| Microsoft | Corporate Investor | ~49% of OpenAI LP | Largest investor; exclusive licensee of OpenAI models | ~$13B invested since 2019; integration with Azure and Microsoft 365 |
| SoftBank Group | Corporate Investor | ~30%+ (2025 funding round) | Strategic investor; leading 2025 $40B round and Stargate AI infrastructure project | Invested ~$30B of the $40B round; aims to advance AI globally |
| Khosla Ventures | VC Firm | ~5% (2019), additional in 2024 | Early investor; continued participation in multiple rounds | Invested $405M more in 2024 |
| Thrive Capital | VC Firm | Not publicly disclosed | Led $6.6B funding round in 2024 | Known for deep founder relationships |
| Altimeter Capital | VC Firm | Not publicly disclosed | Participated in 2025 $40B round | Focuses on growth-stage tech firms |
| Coatue Management | Hedge Fund / VC | Not publicly disclosed | Participated in 2025 $40B round | Tech-focused hedge fund |
| Sequoia Capital | VC Firm | Small minority stake | Part of 2023 $300M round | Longtime tech investor |
| Andreessen Horowitz | VC Firm | Small minority stake | Part of 2023 $300M round | Known for AI and software-focused investments |
| K2 Global | VC Firm | Small minority stake | Part of 2023 $300M round | Invests in emerging technologies |
| Employees & Founders | Individuals | Equity participation units | Share in profit through non-stock-based units | Sam Altman holds no equity; employees rewarded via capped-profit units |
OpenAI Inc. (Nonprofit Parent)
OpenAI Inc. is the nonprofit entity that holds a controlling interest in OpenAI LP. It oversees the company’s mission to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity. The nonprofit’s board has the authority to make critical decisions, including appointing board members and guiding the company’s strategic direction.
Microsoft
Microsoft has been a significant partner and investor in OpenAI. As of 2023, Microsoft invested approximately $13 billion in OpenAI, securing a 49% stake in the for-profit subsidiary, OpenAI LP.
This partnership allows Microsoft to integrate OpenAI’s technologies, such as GPT models, into its products and services, including Azure cloud computing and Microsoft 365 applications. Despite this substantial investment, Microsoft does not have control over OpenAI’s operations, as the nonprofit parent retains ultimate authority.
SoftBank Group
In 2025, SoftBank led a $40 billion funding round for OpenAI, contributing approximately 75% of the total investment. This investment valued OpenAI at $300 billion. SoftBank’s involvement includes a strategic partnership to advance AI research and infrastructure, notably through the Stargate project, a joint venture aimed at developing large-scale AI data centers in the United States.
Khosla Ventures
Khosla Ventures was one of the earliest venture capital firms to invest in OpenAI. In 2019, it invested $50 million, acquiring a 5% stake in OpenAI LP. The firm has continued to support OpenAI’s growth, participating in subsequent funding rounds, including a $405 million investment in 2024.
Thrive Capital
Thrive Capital has been an active investor in OpenAI’s recent funding activities. In October 2024, Thrive led a $6.6 billion funding round, contributing $1 billion. This investment increased OpenAI’s valuation to $157 billion at the time. Thrive’s strategy focuses on investing heavily in select companies to build close relationships with founders and gain deeper insights into their operations.
Altimeter Capital and Coatue Management
Both Altimeter Capital and Coatue Management participated in OpenAI’s $40 billion funding round in 2025. Their investments are part of a broader strategy to support leading AI companies and capitalize on the growing demand for advanced AI technologies. Specific investment amounts and ownership percentages have not been publicly disclosed.
Other Notable Investors
Additional investors in OpenAI include Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and K2 Global. These firms participated in a $300 million funding round in 2023, which valued OpenAI between $27 billion and $29 billion. Their investments reflect confidence in OpenAI’s potential to lead in the AI industry.
Who is the CEO of OpenAI?
As of April 2025, Sam Altman serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OpenAI. His leadership has been pivotal in steering the company through significant milestones and challenges.
Sam Altman’s Tenure and Leadership
Sam Altman co-founded OpenAI in 2015 and became its CEO in 2019. Under his guidance, OpenAI transitioned from a non-profit research lab to a capped-profit model, enabling it to attract substantial investments while maintaining its commitment to developing artificial general intelligence (AGI) for the benefit of humanity.
In November 2023, Altman was briefly removed from his position due to concerns about his communication with the board. This decision led to significant internal unrest, with over 700 of OpenAI’s 770 employees threatening to resign. The situation culminated in Altman’s reinstatement as CEO within five days, alongside the formation of a new board of directors.
Interim Leadership: Mira Murati and Emmett Shear
During Altman’s brief absence in November 2023, Mira Murati, then Chief Technology Officer, was appointed as interim CEO. She served in this role for three days before being succeeded by Emmett Shear, co-founder of Twitch, who held the position for approximately 55 hours. Both interim appointments were part of the company’s efforts to stabilize leadership during a tumultuous period.
Governance Structure Post-2023
Following the 2023 leadership crisis, OpenAI restructured its board to enhance governance and oversight. The new board includes Bret Taylor as chair, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo. This restructuring aimed to align the company’s strategic direction with its foundational mission while accommodating its evolving operational needs.
Strategic Vision and Achievements
Under Altman’s leadership, OpenAI has set ambitious goals for 2025, focusing on:
- Advancing AGI development, with the aim of creating AI systems capable of human-level intelligence across diverse tasks.
- Enhancing existing models, such as upgrading GPT-4 to GPT-4o, to improve memory, contextual understanding, and performance.
- Introducing new AI agents designed to assist humans in complex tasks, including coding and travel planning.
- Launching features like “Grow up mode” to enable AI systems to adapt behavior based on individual user needs.
These initiatives reflect Altman’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI technology while ensuring its alignment with human values and needs.
Annual Revenue and Net Worth of OpenAI
In 2024, OpenAI projected an annual revenue of approximately $3.7 billion, a significant increase from the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by its flagship product, ChatGPT, which alone was expected to generate $2.7 billion.
The remaining $1 billion was anticipated from other services and partnerships, including API access and enterprise solutions. Despite this impressive revenue, the company faced substantial operational costs, particularly in computing power sourced from its partner, Microsoft. As a result, OpenAI anticipated losses of up to $5 billion for the year.
OpenAI forecasts a substantial increase in revenue for 2025, projecting earnings of $11.6 billion. This optimistic outlook is based on the continued expansion of its user base, enhancements to its AI models, and increased adoption of its services across various industries. The company plans to introduce new features and subscription models, such as “Grow up mode,” to cater to a broader audience and diversify its revenue streams.
As of 2025, OpenAI’s valuation stands at approximately $150 billion, positioning it among the most valuable private companies globally. This valuation reflects investor confidence in OpenAI’s technological advancements and its potential to lead in the AI industry.
The company’s unique capped-profit model, which balances profitability with its mission to ensure AGI benefits all of humanity, continues to attract significant investment from major firms and venture capitalists.
Below is a table explaining the revenue and net worth of OpenAI over the years:
| Year | Estimated Revenue (USD) | Estimated Valuation / Net Worth (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $0 | N/A | Founded as a nonprofit research lab |
| 2016 | $0 | <$100 million | Funded by early donors (Musk, Altman, Thiel, etc.) |
| 2017 | <$5 million | ~$100 million | Focused on internal research and open publications |
| 2018 | <$10 million | ~$200 million | Early public models and expansion of research |
| 2019 | ~$20 million | ~$500 million | Announced OpenAI LP; partnered with Microsoft ($1B investment) |
| 2020 | ~$50 million | ~$1 billion | Launched GPT-3 commercially; increased API access |
| 2021 | ~$100 million | ~$2 billion | Rapid GPT-3 adoption; licensing deal with Microsoft |
| 2022 | ~$280 million | ~$14 billion | Explosive ChatGPT growth begins |
| 2023 | ~$1.3 billion | ~$29 billion | Enterprise expansion; major VC fundraising |
| 2024 | ~$3.7 billion | ~$90 billion | Significant scaling of ChatGPT & OpenAI API |
| 2025 | Projected $11.6 billion | $150 billion | Valuation after $40B SoftBank-led funding round; Stargate project begins |
Brands and Companies Owned by OpenAI
As of 2025, OpenAI has expanded its operations beyond its core AI models, establishing and investing in various companies and brands. These ventures span hardware, media partnerships, venture investments, and infrastructure projects, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to advancing artificial general intelligence (AGI) and its applications.
Below is an overview of the major brands and companies owned by OpenAI:
| Company/Brand | Launch Date | Key Function | Relevant Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | 2022 | Conversational AI platform | Powers multiple OpenAI offerings and integrated with Microsoft tools like Word, Excel, and Bing. Major revenue generator. |
| DALL·E | 2022 | Text-to-image generation AI | Embedded into ChatGPT Pro. Used for content creation, marketing, and design. Competes with tools like Midjourney. |
| Whisper | 2023 | Speech-to-text and translation AI | Open-sourced for global use, powers voice features in OpenAI products and third-party applications. |
| Codex | 2021 | Code generation and understanding AI | Powers GitHub Copilot and is integrated into various development tools for code auto-completion and generation. |
| GPT (All Versions) | 2018 | Large language models (GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, etc.) | Core technology behind all OpenAI’s AI-driven products like ChatGPT, API, Codex, and more. |
| OpenAI API | 2020 | API access to OpenAI’s models (GPT, DALL·E, Whisper, Codex) | Provides commercial API access to businesses and developers, one of OpenAI’s main revenue streams. |
| SearchGPT | 2024 | AI-powered search engine with real-time data access | Competes with Google. Integrated with major media partners (e.g., Time, Financial Times). |
| OpenAI Robotics | 2025 | Robotics division focused on humanoid robots and embodied AGI systems | Developing humanoid robots to work in environments like homes, factories, and customer service. |
| Stargate LLC | 2025 | Infrastructure venture for building AI supercomputing data centers across the U.S. | Formed with partners like Microsoft and SoftBank. Expected to build 10+ data centers in the U.S. by 2029. |
| Global Illumination | 2023 | AI-powered creative tools for media and design | Acquired to enhance generative AI experiences in media. Focuses on creative and game design tools. |
| Rockset | 2024 | Real-time analytics database solutions | Acquired to enhance OpenAI’s API performance and enable better real-time data handling for enterprises. |
| 1X Technologies | 2023 | Humanoid robotics for home environments | OpenAI invested in this robotics company via the Startup Fund. Focused on humanoid robots for the consumer market. |
| Figure AI | 2024 | Humanoid robotics company | Collaboration ended in 2025, but OpenAI helped develop humanoid robots with AGI integration. |
| Worldcoin (World) | 2020 | Cryptocurrency platform with a focus on identity verification and global proof of personhood | Co-founded by Sam Altman. AI-powered biometric verification for crypto distribution. OpenAI not directly involved in operation. |
ChatGPT
ChatGPT is OpenAI’s flagship conversational AI product, launched in November 2022. It has become a widely used tool for various applications, including customer service, education, and content creation.
By 2024, ChatGPT was projected to generate $2.7 billion in revenue, contributing significantly to OpenAI’s financial growth. The platform continues to evolve, with enhancements aimed at improving user experience and expanding its capabilities.
DALL·E
DALL·E is OpenAI’s text-to-image generation model. It allows users to generate detailed images from written descriptions. As of 2025, DALL·E is embedded into ChatGPT’s Pro version with features like inpainting and editing. It’s used by content creators, marketers, and designers for visual generation and continues to compete with tools like Midjourney and Adobe Firefly.
Whisper
Whisper is OpenAI’s automatic speech recognition (ASR) system. It transcribes and translates audio from multiple languages. Whisper has been open-sourced and is widely used in applications that require multilingual speech-to-text conversion. It’s integrated into ChatGPT for voice functionality and also powers third-party applications in accessibility and media.
Codex
Codex is an AI system developed by OpenAI to write and understand code. It powers GitHub Copilot, developed in collaboration with GitHub and Microsoft. Codex understands dozens of programming languages and is used by developers to autocomplete, generate, and explain code. It’s also embedded into ChatGPT to answer programming questions and generate functional scripts.
GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) Family
While not a company on its own, the GPT model line is OpenAI’s core technology. As of 2025, the company is using GPT-4 Turbo, a faster and cheaper variant of GPT-4. These models power almost every product in OpenAI’s ecosystem — from ChatGPT to third-party API integrations. GPT-5 is expected in late 2025.
OpenAI API
The OpenAI API allows developers and businesses to integrate language and vision capabilities into their apps. The API gives access to GPT-4 Turbo, DALL·E, Whisper, and Codex, and is widely used by startups and Fortune 500 companies. It’s one of the major revenue streams for OpenAI.
SearchGPT
Launched in 2024, SearchGPT is OpenAI’s AI-powered search tool that integrates real-time web browsing with conversational AI. It was created to compete with Google and Perplexity AI, offering citation-backed answers and personalized query handling. It integrates partner content from publishers like Time, Le Monde, Axel Springer, and Prisa Media.
OpenAI Robotics Division
In 2025, OpenAI established a dedicated robotics division to develop user-programmable humanoid robots equipped with communication and learning capabilities. This initiative is led by Caitlin Kalinowski, a former Meta hardware executive.
The division aims to create robots that can interact naturally with humans, potentially transforming industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and customer service. This move positions OpenAI to compete with established players like Tesla and Boston Dynamics in the humanoid robotics space.
Stargate LLC
Stargate LLC is a joint venture formed in January 2025 by OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and MGX. The venture aims to invest up to $500 billion in AI infrastructure in the United States by 2029.
OpenAI holds a 40% stake and is responsible for the operational aspects of the project. Stargate plans to build 10 data centers in Abilene, Texas, and expand to other states and countries like Japan and the United Kingdom. The project is expected to create over 100,000 jobs in the United States.
SearchGPT
SearchGPT is OpenAI’s AI-powered search engine, launched in July 2024. It provides real-time web information access and integrates content from various media partners, including Condé Nast, Time magazine, Financial Times, Axel Springer, Le Monde, and Prisa Media. The platform aims to enhance the accuracy and integrity of AI-generated information.
Global Illumination
In August 2023, OpenAI acquired Global Illumination, a startup specializing in creative tools powered by artificial intelligence. The acquisition marked OpenAI’s first in seven years and aimed to bolster its capabilities in developing AI-driven creative applications.
Rockset
In June 2024, OpenAI acquired Rockset, a startup focused on real-time analytics and enterprise data solutions. The acquisition aimed to integrate Rockset’s technology into OpenAI’s offerings, enhancing its capabilities in handling large-scale data analytics for enterprise clients.
1X Technologies
1X Technologies is a robotics and artificial intelligence company developing general-purpose humanoid robots for home environments. In March 2023, 1X raised $23.5 million in Series A2 funding, led by the OpenAI Startup Fund. The company focuses on creating robots that can safely operate in domestic settings, aiming to revolutionize home automation.
Figure AI
Figure AI is a robotics company specializing in humanoid robots for various applications. In February 2024, Figure AI secured $675 million in funding from investors including OpenAI, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The collaboration with OpenAI involved developing specialized AI models for Figure’s robots, enabling them to process and reason from language. However, in 2025, Figure AI ended its collaboration with OpenAI, citing the commoditization of large language models.
Worldcoin (World)
Worldcoin, rebranded as World, is a cryptocurrency project co-founded by Sam Altman. The project aims to create a global identity network using AI technology for iris scanning. In 2025, the World is expanding its operations, including securing a 60,000 square foot lease in San Francisco’s Mission Rock development.
Conclusion
OpenAI has a hybrid structure that blends nonprofit oversight with for-profit flexibility. When asking who owns OpenAI, the answer is complex.
A nonprofit parent holds ultimate control, while investors like Microsoft have strong commercial partnerships. With Sam Altman at the helm and technologies like ChatGPT leading the charge, OpenAI remains a central force in the future of artificial intelligence.
FAQs
Who owns OpenAI right now?
OpenAI is controlled by OpenAI Inc., a nonprofit. Its for-profit arm, OpenAI LP, has investors like Microsoft and employees with equity, but the nonprofit holds final authority.
Can you buy OpenAI stock?
No, OpenAI is a private company. It does not have publicly traded stock. However, investors may participate through private funding rounds or secondary share offerings.
How does OpenAI make money?
OpenAI earns revenue through its API, ChatGPT Plus subscriptions, and enterprise deals. Its partnership with Microsoft also contributes to its commercial growth.
Does Elon Musk own OpenAI?
Elon Musk was one of the co-founders of OpenAI in 2015, but no longer owns the company. Musk stepped away from the board in 2018 due to conflicts of interest with his other ventures, such as Tesla and SpaceX. He has, however, remained an outspoken figure in AI discussions and has critiqued OpenAI’s direction.
Is OpenAI owned by Microsoft?
No, OpenAI is not fully owned by Microsoft, but Microsoft has a significant partnership with the company. Microsoft invested $1 billion in OpenAI in 2019 and later increased this stake in 2023. Microsoft also holds exclusive licensing rights to OpenAI’s GPT models and integrates OpenAI’s technology into its products, like Azure and Office.
Is ChatGPT owned by Elon Musk?
ChatGPT is owned and developed by OpenAI, not by Elon Musk. While Musk was involved in OpenAI’s founding, he no longer has control over the company or its products, including ChatGPT.
Why does Elon Musk not like OpenAI?
Elon Musk has expressed concerns over OpenAI’s shift from a non-profit to a “capped-profit” model, fearing it could lead to the development of potentially dangerous AI technologies controlled by a few large players. Musk has criticized OpenAI for its commercialization and its close ties with Microsoft.
Does Microsoft get 49% of OpenAI?
No, Microsoft does not own 49% of OpenAI. As of 2025, Microsoft holds a significant but smaller stake, with estimates putting its share at around 40%. Microsoft has made several large investments and secured exclusive licensing rights to OpenAI’s technology, but it does not hold a majority stake.
Did Google own OpenAI?
No, Google has never owned OpenAI. While Google is a major competitor in the AI space with its own AI division, Google DeepMind, OpenAI operates independently. However, there have been partnerships between OpenAI and Google Cloud, and some former Google employees work at OpenAI.
Are OpenAI and ChatGPT the same?
No, OpenAI and ChatGPT are not the same. OpenAI is the research lab that develops artificial intelligence technologies, including ChatGPT. ChatGPT is one of OpenAI’s most well-known products, specifically designed as a conversational AI model that uses OpenAI’s GPT technology.
Who controls OpenAI?
OpenAI is controlled by a mix of individuals and organizations, with Sam Altman (CEO) being the key figure in its leadership. The company is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from major investors, including Microsoft. Key decision-makers are involved in shaping its direction and investments.
What is the OpenAI valuation?
As of 2025, OpenAI is valued at approximately $150 billion, following major investments from Microsoft and other firms. The company’s valuation has seen significant growth, largely driven by the success of ChatGPT and other AI models like DALL·E and GPT.
Who’s the owner of OpenAI?
OpenAI does not have a single owner. It was founded as a nonprofit but later transitioned to a “capped-profit” model. The company is owned by a mix of investors, including Microsoft (which holds a significant stake), other venture capital firms, and OpenAI’s leadership team.
Who invested in OpenAI?
OpenAI has received investments from several high-profile individuals and companies, including:
- Microsoft: Key investor with $1 billion invested in 2019 and a more recent funding round in 2023.
- Sam Altman: Co-founder and CEO, heavily invested in the company.
- Reid Hoffman, Peter Thiel, Greg Brockman, and others: Early venture capital investors who supported OpenAI’s growth.
Who is the biggest shareholder in OpenAI?
Microsoft is the largest shareholder in OpenAI as of 2025, holding a significant stake (estimated around 40%) due to its $1 billion investment and exclusive licensing rights to OpenAI’s technology.
Who owns OpenAI stock?
OpenAI’s stock is not publicly traded. The company operates as a “capped-profit” entity, meaning it has limited profit distributions to stakeholders. The main stakeholders include Microsoft, OpenAI’s leadership team, and early investors.
Who made OpenAI?
OpenAI was founded in December 2015 by Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever, John Schulman, and Wojciech Zaremba. It was created as a research lab focused on developing artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity.