OpenAI CFO suggests postponing IPO to 2027 due to slowing growth and unmet financial standards

Odaily Odaily Planet Daily reports that OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar has privately suggested postponing the company's IPO to 2027, citing that it has not yet met the financial reporting standards required for a public company. Meanwhile, CEO Sam Altman aims to push forward with the listing as early as the fourth quarter of 2026. Sources familiar with the matter indicate a divergence of opinion between the two regarding the pace of the IPO.

Data shows that OpenAI's growth has slowed. ChatGPT's weekly active users increased from 800 million in December 2025 to 900 million in February 2026, falling short of the previously set target of 1 billion. Additionally, the company's annualized revenue is approximately $25 billion, while competitor Anthropic has surpassed $30 billion. Concurrently, OpenAI has also adjusted its computing capacity investment plans, with internal discussions ongoing regarding the ability to match future expenditures with revenue. Investment bank analysts believe that the company that goes public first will secure a capital advantage in the industry. Currently, OpenAI has not yet initiated the formal IPO process.