OpenAI's Reported $340B Valuation Could Bode Well for AI-Linked Crypto

OpenAI's Reported $340B Valuation Could Bode Well for AI-Linked Crypto

OpenAI is in early-stage discussions to raise $40 billion in a new funding round, which would bring its valuation to an impressive $340 billion, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouse, known for creating ChatGPT, was previously valued at $157 billion when it secured $6.6 billion in funding last October. 

For this new round, SoftBank is reportedly leading the investment, contributing between $15 billion and $25 billion. This fundraising effort comes as a boost for AI-related sectors, including cryptocurrencies, especially since OpenAI's valuation almost doubling could help restore confidence in the market. 

The AI sector, particularly crypto assets linked to the field, has been impacted by the rise of competitors like DeepSeek. However, the potential success of this new funding round could inject renewed energy into the AI-crypto space. Some of the large-cap AI-linked tokens benefiting from this trend include NEAR, ICP, TAO, RENDER, FET, GRT, and AI16Z, according to CoinGecko data.

OpenAI, the creator of the popular AI model ChatGPT, is reportedly in talks to raise $40 billion in a new funding round that would value the company at $340 billion. This information was revealed by The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the matter. This fresh round of financing marks a significant increase from the company’s previous valuation of $157 billion when it raised $6.6 billion in October 2024. The new funding round would be a major milestone for OpenAI, further solidifying its position as one of the dominant players in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence industry.

SoftBank, a leading global investor, is said to be the primary backer in this round, contributing between $15 billion and $25 billion. This investment marks a continuation of SoftBank’s ongoing support for AI technology, which has seen massive growth in recent years. The substantial increase in OpenAI’s valuation comes as the company continues to expand its AI capabilities, including the further development of its language models and other groundbreaking applications in industries ranging from healthcare to entertainment.

This new funding could also have positive implications for AI-linked cryptocurrencies. The surge in OpenAI’s valuation could provide a confidence boost to investors in the AI sector, which has faced some volatility due to the rise of competitors such as DeepSeek. As OpenAI solidifies its lead in the AI space, related cryptocurrencies may also see renewed interest.

AI-linked tokens like NEAR, ICP, TAO, RENDER, FET, GRT, and AI16Z, which are closely tied to the growth of AI technologies, could benefit from the ripple effect of OpenAI’s success. According to CoinGecko data, these large-cap tokens have seen fluctuations in their value, often in response to significant developments in the AI field. As OpenAI continues to attract attention and investment, the AI-crypto sector is poised for further growth and innovation.

OpenAI’s potential funding success further emphasizes the increasing interest in AI technologies and their ability to reshape industries. With AI development accelerating and attracting investments from major players like SoftBank, it’s clear that the future of AI—and its intersection with cryptocurrency—looks increasingly promising.