OpenAI CEO says 2026 IPO would be ‘ill-advised’ amid safety focus
Sam Altman cites ongoing safety work and market conditions in ruling out a 2026 listing.
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- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated in a Fortune interview that an OpenAI IPO in 2026 would be ‘ill-advised’ due to current safety priorities.
- Altman also reiterated that OpenAI is not rushing an IPO and will proceed only when ready.
- He described the possibility of building AI beyond human control as ‘absolutely’ possible but emphasized steps to prevent such outcomes.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in an interview with Fortune that an initial public offering in 2026 would be ‘ill-advised’ given the company’s focus on safety and ongoing work before going public.
Altman stated that OpenAI is not rushing into an IPO and does not feel pressure to list, adding that the company will proceed only when it is ready.
He explicitly ruled out 2026 as a timing option, saying, “I would say not 2026. We’ve got a lot of stuff to do.”
During the same interview, Altman addressed the possibility of building AI beyond human control, calling it “absolutely” possible but vowing to take actions to prevent such outcomes, including pausing training if necessary.
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