OpenAI has allowed current and former employees to cash out another $7 billion in company stock, according to Bloomberg. The move comes as the firm's valuation stands at $852 billion, enabling employees to sell shares at the current market value. This follows a similar stock sale of $6.6 billion in October 2025, which saw about 75 employees cash out up to $30 million each. The stock buyback is part of a broader effort to provide liquidity to employees ahead of a potential and delayed IPO.
The tender offer had been in the works since OpenAI's $122 billion funding round in March, which marked a significant milestone for the company. The goal of the stock sale is to alleviate financial pressure on employees who have been waiting for liquidity. This initiative reflects the company's strategy to manage employee expectations and prepare for a potential public offering. The decision also highlights the growing wealth within the AI industry, which has led to increased costs in cities like San Francisco.
The rising fortunes of OpenAI employees have had broader economic implications, including soaring rents in San Francisco driven by AI-related salaries. Wealthy families are also enrolling their children in AI-focused private schools, which charge up to $75,000 annually. These developments underscore the transformative impact of the AI industry on both individual wealth and local economies.
Source: thedecoder
