- The investment aligns with Apple’s efforts to integrate advanced AI, such as ChatGPT, into its future products.
- The exact amounts each company will invest are still undisclosed, but the overall funding could represent one of the largest investments in AI history.
OUR TAKE
Apple and Nvidia are reportedly exploring investments in OpenAI, potentially valuing the AI company at over $100 billion. This comes as Thrive Capital leads a $1 billion funding round. OpenAI’s high valuation reflects the ongoing AI arms race, with major tech firms investing heavily to stay competitive. This funding could further solidify OpenAI’s position as a leading AI player, amidst growing regulatory scrutiny over Big Tech’s influence in the industry.
-Tacy Ding，BTW reporter
What happened
Apple (AAPL.O) and chip giant Nvidia (NVDA.O) are reportedly in discussions to invest in OpenAI as part of a new fundraising round. This investment could potentially value the ChatGPT maker at over $100 billion, according to media reports on Thursday.
The Wall Street Journal initially reported on Apple’s interest in investing, citing sources, while Bloomberg News reported on Nvidia’s potential involvement.
The news follows a report by The Wall Street Journal a day earlier, which stated that venture capital firm Thrive Capital would lead the funding round with an investment of around $1 billion in OpenAI.
The exact investment amounts from Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia remain.
“Investments from Apple and Nvidia in OpenAI would be a clear signal of their commitment to leading in the AI space,” said Jason Kwon, Chief Strategy Officer at OpenAI. “This round is pivotal as we continue to expand our capabilities and partnerships.”
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Why it’s important
OpenAI’s high valuation stems from the AI arms race ignited by the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. This has driven companies across various industries to invest billions in AI technology to maintain a competitive edge and capture market share.
The Sam Altman-led firm was valued at $80 billion in February following a tender offer led by Thrive Capital, which involved selling existing shares of the company.
Big Tech’s influence over artificial intelligence has faced increasing scrutiny, with regulators in both the EU and the US raising concerns about Nvidia’s dominance in AI chips and Microsoft’s close partnership with OpenAI. Microsoft has integrated OpenAI’s services into its Windows and Copilot AI platforms, betting that these capabilities will drive growth.
The financing would strengthen one of the world’s most valuable venture-backed start-ups. The remarkable success of ChatGPT has ignited an arms race among tech companies, leading them to integrate AI technology across their products and fund other promising start-ups.
