Sam Altman: OpenAI's annual revenue is "much more" than $13 billion

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made a bold claim about his company's financial success on a recent Bg2 podcast, noting that OpenAI's annual revenue significantly exceeds $13 billion. This statement was in response to host Brad Gerstner's questions about the company's financial performance and future prospects.

Reaction to Doubts

Altman reacted to the mention of $13 billion in revenue with obvious irritation, emphasizing that this figure is significantly understated. He noted that OpenAI is demonstrating steady growth despite projected expenses that could exceed a trillion dollars over the next ten years.

During the discussion, Altman also added that if Gerstner is interested in selling his OpenAI shares, he would easily find a buyer. This statement drew laughter from both Nadella and the host, underscoring Altman's confidence in the company's financial health.

Criticism and Confidence

Altman also commented on criticism predicting OpenAI's bankruptcy, stating that such opinions come from those who would actually like to own the company's shares. He expressed confidence that if OpenAI were already a public company, he would watch with interest any attempts by critics to "sell the company short."

Despite his confidence in its financial performance, Altman acknowledged that OpenAI may face certain risks, including a shortage of computing power. However, he emphasized that the company's revenue continues to grow rapidly.

OpenAI Growth Drivers

According to Altman, OpenAI's revenue growth is driven not only by the development of ChatGPT but also by plans to build cloud infrastructure for AI, as well as consumer devices and systems capable of automating scientific research. These areas open new opportunities for the company and contribute to its financial success.

Confirmation from Microsoft

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also confirmed that OpenAI has already "exceeded all business plans" presented to Microsoft, its key investor. He noted that the partnership between the two companies demonstrates how rapidly OpenAI's commercial business is developing.

At the end of the conversation, Gerstner suggested that OpenAI could reach $100 billion in revenue by 2028 or 2029. Altman seemed unconvinced, emphasizing his confidence in the company's future and its ability to grow further.