OpenAI Plans $1 Trillion IPO for 2026 as Chinese AI Models Surpass ChatGPT in Crypto Trading

OpenAI-and-ChatGPT

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  • OpenAI plans a potential $1T IPO in 2026, aiming to raise $60B.
  • ChatGPT lags behind Chinese AI rivals in crypto trading performance.
  • The global AI race is shifting from scale to smarter, data-driven efficiency.

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is reportedly preparing for a blockbuster initial public offering (IPO) slated for late 2026 — potentially making it the first AI firm to hit a $1 trillion valuation. According to sources cited by Reuters, the IPO could include a $60 billion capital raise, with a filing expected in the second half of 2026.

If realized, this would mark a major milestone for OpenAI, whose valuation already soared to $500 billion following a secondary share sale earlier this month. The move positioned OpenAI ahead of SpaceX as the world’s largest startup, underscoring surging investor confidence in artificial intelligence technologies.

Focus on AGI Over Market Timelines

Despite the excitement, OpenAI’s leadership has emphasized that its main focus remains on developing artificial general intelligence (AGI) — not rushing to market.


“We are building a durable business and advancing our mission so everyone benefits from AGI,” a spokesperson told Reuters, suggesting the company is balancing its ambitious valuation goals with its broader ethical and research commitments.

Chinese AI Models Outperform ChatGPT in Crypto Trading

In a surprising twist, smaller Chinese AI models have recently outperformed ChatGPT in a crypto trading challenge. DeepSeek and Qwen3 Max, developed at a fraction of OpenAI’s cost, reportedly generated better trading returns than ChatGPT and Elon Musk’s Grok.

DeepSeek, which was trained on just $5.3 million, achieved a 9% trading profit, while ChatGPT-5 recorded a steep 66% loss. Analysts believe the disparity stems from differences in training data and fine-tuning methods rather than model architecture.

AI models, crypto trading competition. Source: CoinGlass

The Bigger Picture: AI Competition Heats Up

OpenAI’s potential IPO highlights the broader global race for AI dominance. As competitors from China demonstrate leaner, more specialized models, the next phase of AI innovation may hinge on efficiency and adaptability — not just scale.

OpenAI’s road to a trillion-dollar IPO reflects both its dominance and the rising competition reshaping the AI landscape. As AGI development continues and AI trading models evolve, 2026 could become a defining year for both global AI leadership and investor sentiment.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.

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