AI giant OpenAI may seek to sell shares, with a valuation soaring to $86 billion.

According to sources, it has been revealed that artificial intelligence startup OpenAI is in talks with potential investors to sell a portion of its employees' shares at a valuation of $86 billion.

The leading artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT is engaged in a tender offer transaction, but the specific details have not been finalized. They stated that the company is currently determining the share distribution plan, and the terms of the transaction may also be adjusted.

Microsoft (MSFT.US) is the largest shareholder of OpenAI, holding 49% of its shares. The company is led by CEO Sam Altman and President Greg Brockman. If the valuation reaches $86 billion, it will surpass Stripe and Chinese online retailer Shein, becoming one of the most valuable unlisted companies globally, second only to Elon Musk's SpaceX and TikTok's parent company ByteDance.

OpenAI, headquartered in San Francisco, has not immediately responded to requests for comment.

According to reports, with the widespread adoption of this technology across various industries, the company is expected to achieve $1 billion in annual revenue.

Last month, The Wall Street Journal reported that OpenAI is exploring a share sale transaction that could potentially bring the startup's valuation to $80 billion to $90 billion.