OpenAI hits $300 billion valuation: SoftBank leads $40 billion AI funding surge

OpenAI's latest $300 billion valuation, fueled by a massive $40 billion round led by SoftBank, underscores the intensifying competition in AI. This report also covers Meta's disruptive Scale AI investment and how it reshapes partnerships with Google and OpenAI, alongside rising AI stocks like Nvidia and CoreWeave.

Sources:
The Economic TimesInvestors
Updated 3h ago
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Sources: Investors
OpenAI has surged to a $300 billion valuation after securing $40 billion in a funding round led by SoftBank, underscoring the rapid expansion and investor confidence in artificial intelligence technologies.

Microsoft remains the largest backer, having invested approximately $14 billion in the generative AI pioneer. This substantial funding reflects the strategic importance of AI in the tech industry.

Meta's involvement in AI funding, particularly through its investment in Scale AI, has also boosted valuations in the sector, with Scale's worth rising from $14 billion to over $29 billion. Meta's stake offers it insights into competitors' data strategies, a critical factor in developing advanced AI models.

Meanwhile, Nvidia-backed CoreWeave, which recently went public, reported its first earnings, highlighting the growing financial momentum in AI infrastructure companies. Nvidia's stock has increased by 12% in 2025, reflecting strong market confidence.

These developments illustrate a broader surge in AI funding, with major players like SoftBank, Microsoft, Meta, and Nvidia driving innovation and investment. The influx of capital is accelerating AI research and deployment, positioning OpenAI and its partners at the forefront of the technology's evolution.

“OpenAI was valued at $300 billion as part of a new $40 billion fundraising round led by SoftBank,” signaling a new era of AI investment.

“Microsoft is the biggest investor in generative AI leader OpenAI, having spent some $14 billion on the startup,” emphasizing its commitment to AI leadership.

“Nvidia stock has advanced 12% in 2025,” underscoring the market's positive outlook on AI-related companies.
Sources: Investors
OpenAI reached a $300 billion valuation following a $40 billion funding round led by SoftBank, marking a surge in AI investments. Microsoft remains the largest investor with $14 billion spent, while Meta and Nvidia-backed firms also play significant roles in the expanding AI ecosystem.
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The Headline

OpenAI's $300B valuation and $40B funding round

Key Facts
  • OpenAI was valued at $300 billion as part of a new $40 billion fundraising round led by SoftBank.Investors
Meta’s in Scale AI boosts the startup’s valuation to over $29 billion, up from $14 billion before the deal.
The Economic Times
The Economic Times
OpenAI was valued at $300 billion as part of a new $40 billion fundraising round led by SoftBank.
Investors
Investors
Key Stats at a Glance
OpenAI valuation
$300 billion
Investors
OpenAI funding round size
$40 billion
Investors

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Other Updates

AI stock movements: CoreWeave IPO and Nvidia gains

Key Facts
  • Nvidia-backed CoreWeave launched an IPO in March 2025 and reported earnings for the first time as a public company on May 14, 2025.Investors
  • Nvidia stock advanced 12% in 2025, supported by AI accelerator sales and government partnerships.Investors
Key Stats at a Glance
Nvidia stock advance in 2025
12%
Investors
Background Context

Meta's Scale AI stake sparks client concerns and shifts

Key Facts
  • Meta acquired a 49% stake in Scale AI, causing several clients, including its biggest client, to plan to withdraw from the company.The Economic Times
  • Meta’s investment in Scale AI boosted the startup’s valuation to over $29 billion, up from $14 billion before the deal.
  • Google plans to shift work away from Scale AI due to concerns about Meta’s investment and potential data insights.The Economic Times
  • OpenAI also scaled back its use of Scale AI months ago, although it had spent far less than Google.The Economic Times
  • Meta’s significant investment could give it inside access to rivals’ data strategies, a key ingredient in training powerful AI models.The Economic Times
Key Stats at a Glance
Scale AI valuation after Meta investment
$29 billion
The Economic Times
Scale AI valuation before Meta investment
$14 billion
The Economic Times
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