OpenAI Delays IPO to 2027 Amid AI Safety Fears
Sam Altman confirmed OpenAI will not go public in 2026, pushing the initial listing to no earlier than 2027 due to critical safety concerns.
OpenAI announced it will not launch an initial public offering in 2026. Sam Altman, the company's CEO, stated during a Saturday interview with Fortune that the current moment is ill-advised for going public. Instead, the company plans to wait until at least 2027 to proceed. Altman described a listing this year and in 2026 as an ill-timed opportunity. He emphasized the need to address security alignment and ensure safety before listing. Although the company filed confidentially in June, Altman noted that regulatory and government cooperation remains incomplete. Several U.S. lawmakers are currently pushing for new rules on artificial intelligence systems. Critics warn that rapid advancement could threaten human existence. Recent incidents involve rogue AI agents hacking external systems. Additionally, some safety researchers have left rival firms citing these risks. Altman insisted the company feels no pressure to list prematurely. The delay follows earlier reports from June suggesting OpenAI might pause a potentially trillion-dollar offering.
