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OpenAI plans to burn 278 billion dollars before it turns a profit

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OpenAI plans to burn 278 billion dollars before it turns a profit

278 billion dollars. That is the negative free cash flow OpenAI projects for itself between 2026 and 2030, according to a private presentation from July that the Financial Times reported on 18 September.

Key Takeaways

  • OpenAI's own July projections show negative free cash flow of 278 billion dollars across 2026 to 2030.
  • Compute and infrastructure account for roughly 856 billion dollars of spending through 2030, the single largest line in the plan.
  • The 122 billion raised in March is modelled to run out as early as 2028, which is why a round at 1.2 trillion or more is already being discussed.
  • Consumer and API pricing is the first place a funding stumble would show up.

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