OpenAI’s next fundraising round could bring two of the technology industry’s most important companies closer to the ChatGPT maker. Apple and Nvidia are reportedly in talks to contribute to the round, which could value OpenAI at $100 billion.
The reported interest matters because both companies already sit near critical parts of OpenAI’s business. Nvidia supplies the GPUs OpenAI primarily uses to run and train its generative AI models. Apple, meanwhile, agreed earlier this year to integrate ChatGPT into iOS as part of Apple Intelligence.
A funding round with major names attached
The possible investment is still described as talks, not a completed deal. According to The New York Times, earlier OpenAI investor Thrive Capital would lead the deal if it happens.
Other large backers could also be involved. Microsoft may participate as well, and it reportedly stands to own 49% of OpenAI.
The reporting around the possible investors has come from several major outlets. Bloomberg was the first to report Nvidia’s involvement, while The WSJ broke the story of Apple’s potential interest. The New York Times reported that Thrive Capital would lead the round should it move forward.
Taken together, the reports point to a fundraising effort that could deepen OpenAI’s relationships with companies already connected to its growth. The headline number is the possible $100 billion valuation, but the strategic context is just as important.
Why OpenAI needs more capital
OpenAI has been growing revenue, but the source reporting also points to heavy spending. Its annualized revenue reportedly eclipsed $3.4 billion early this year.
At the same time, OpenAI is said to be on track to lose $5 billion by year end. The reason given is expansion: the company is growing its AI training and staffing efforts.
That combination helps explain why a new funding round would matter. Building and operating generative AI models requires continuing investment, and OpenAI’s reported losses show that revenue growth has not removed the need for outside capital.
The reported round would therefore serve more than one purpose. It could support the costs of training models, help fund staffing growth, and reinforce OpenAI’s position as demand for generative AI continues to shape its business needs.
Why Nvidia’s role is significant
Nvidia’s reported interest has a direct connection to OpenAI’s technical foundation. OpenAI runs and trains its generative AI models primarily on Nvidia GPUs.
That makes Nvidia more than a possible financial participant. It is already tied to the infrastructure OpenAI depends on for its core products, including ChatGPT.
If Nvidia contributes to the funding round, the investment would sit alongside an existing business relationship. The source does not describe the terms of any Nvidia investment, but the connection is clear: OpenAI’s model development relies heavily on hardware from Nvidia.
For OpenAI, that relationship matters because AI training is one of the areas linked to its expected losses. For Nvidia, the reported talks would put it closer to a company that is using its GPUs at the center of a major generative AI business.
Why Apple’s interest matters
Apple’s reported interest comes after a separate agreement with OpenAI. Earlier this year, Apple agreed to integrate ChatGPT into iOS as part of Apple Intelligence, its forthcoming suite of AI features.
That makes Apple’s potential investment notable for a different reason than Nvidia’s. Nvidia is tied to OpenAI through the computing layer. Apple is tied to OpenAI through consumer-facing software integration.
If Apple joins the round, it would be investing in a company whose technology it has already agreed to bring into iOS. The source does not say how much Apple might invest, or whether the talks will result in a deal.
Still, the reported interest shows how OpenAI’s partnerships span both infrastructure and distribution. Its models need GPUs to train and run, and its products gain reach when they appear inside widely used software ecosystems.
What to watch next
The central question is whether the talks become a completed fundraising round. The source describes Apple and Nvidia as being in talks, and says Thrive Capital would lead the deal should it happen.
Several details remain unconfirmed in the source article:
- Whether Apple will ultimately invest.
- Whether Nvidia will ultimately invest.
- Whether Microsoft will participate in the round.
- The final valuation, if the fundraising round closes.
- The exact amount each company might contribute.
What is clear from the reporting is that OpenAI is seeking capital while expanding AI training and staffing. It is also clear that the companies reportedly circling the round are not random financial names. Apple and Nvidia already have practical ties to OpenAI’s business.
If the round moves ahead at a $100 billion valuation, it would underscore how much capital the ChatGPT maker may need to keep scaling. It would also show how OpenAI’s future is increasingly linked to the companies that provide its computing power, integrate its tools, or already hold a major stake in its business.