SAN FRANCISCO, California: OpenAI is exploring a new stock sale that could allow employees to cash out while pushing the company’s valuation to around US$500 billion, according to a person familiar with the talks.

The potential sale is still in early stages, the source said, adding that existing investors, including Thrive Capital, are in discussions to participate. The person requested anonymity as the talks are private.

If finalized, the deal would mark a sharp jump from OpenAI’s current $300 billion valuation. The artificial intelligence company, backed by Microsoft, has seen rapid growth fueled by the popularity of its ChatGPT chatbot and ongoing enterprise partnerships.

The share sale would offer employees a way to monetize their equity at a time when competition for AI talent is intensifying. Tech giants like Meta are reportedly offering highly attractive pay packages to lure top researchers and engineers.

Thrive Capital declined to comment. Bloomberg first reported the possible deal on August 5.