Apple (AAPL.O) and chip giant Nvidia (NVDA.O) are reportedly in discussions to invest in OpenAI as part of a new fundraising round that could value the ChatGPT creator at over $100 billion, according to media reports on Thursday. The Wall Street Journal first reported Apple’s interest, while Bloomberg News noted Nvidia’s potential involvement.
This news follows a report that venture capital firm Thrive Capital plans to invest around $1 billion in OpenAI, leading the funding round. Neither Apple nor OpenAI immediately responded to Reuters’ requests for comment, while Thrive Capital, Nvidia, and Microsoft declined to comment.
OpenAI has grown increasingly crucial to Apple’s AI strategy, with the iPhone maker integrating OpenAI’s chatbot, ChatGPT, into Apple devices in June as part of “Apple Intelligence.” Additionally, Apple is reported to have gained an observer role on OpenAI’s board.
Microsoft (MSFT.O), OpenAI’s largest strategic investor with over $10 billion invested, is also expected to participate in this funding round. The specific investment amounts from Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia remain undisclosed.
OpenAI’s high valuation is driven by the AI arms race it ignited with the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, prompting companies across various industries to invest billions in AI technology to maintain a competitive edge.
