On September 29, 2026, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the company needs to make confident safety claims about increasingly capable models before pursuing a possible IPO. He set no timetable. The remarks add a safety condition to NeoTeo’s earlier coverage of OpenAI’s IPO plans.
Altman ties a possible IPO to safety claims
At OpenAI’s DevDay in San Francisco, Altman said the company would continue making progress in AI while its models grow more capable. He described OpenAI’s approach as advancing safety and alignment ahead of model capabilities.
Altman had said earlier in September that 2026 was not the year for an IPO. His September 29 remarks added a safety condition for a future listing, without setting a later date. He also said he did not want the added pressure of being a newly public company while OpenAI works through changes in model capabilities and safety requirements. At the same time, he cautioned that waiting too long to go public would be bad for the world.
What Altman said about investor patience
In a separate interview on September 29, Altman said OpenAI’s investors seemed happy and patient. That was his characterization of their views. He also said he expected OpenAI to become a public company at some point.
Reported private funding talks
Separately, OpenAI was reported to be in early negotiations for a private funding round seeking at least $30 billion at an approximately $1.4 trillion valuation. The reported talks concern private financing, distinct from a public offering.
