The AI startup is chasing a $500 billion valuation, with backers betting it can become the next Apple or Google. There are reasons for skepticism.

OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, is in talks to sell $6 billion in shares owned by its current and former employees to investors, in a deal that would value the artificial intelligence company at roughly $500 billion, according to two people with knowledge of the discussions.

With new tools and greater autonomy, OpenAI's flagship AI chatbot is more capable, and potentially more dangerous, than ever.

Current and former OpenAI employees plan to sell approximately $6 billion worth of shares to an investor group that includes Thrive Capital, SoftBank Group Corp. and Dragoneer Investment Group, in a deal that values the ChatGPT maker at $500 billion.

OpenAI reversed the change on Tuesday, allowing the previous model to be accessible by paid users, but the episode illustrates what researchers are calling “AI Psychosis,” where overly-pleasing chatbots exacerbate delusions and create a false sense of romantic love.

OpenAI made some bold claims when it launched GPT-5, but is ChatGPT truly so much better now? I put it to the test.The Latest Tech News, Delivered to Your Inbox

OpenAI is in talks for a $6B employee share sale valuing the ChatGPT maker at $500B, making it the world’s most valuable private company.