Sam Altman Rules Out OpenAI IPO Before 2027, Citing AI Safety Concerns

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has ruled out a public listing in 2026, stating that the current artificial intelligence safety landscape makes it an inappropriate time for an IPO. Speaking to Fortune, Altman said the company does not feel pressure to rush toward going public and is focused on meeting safety and alignment requirements.

Altman's comments extend the timeline for a potentially trillion-dollar offering that had been under consideration. OpenAI filed confidentially for an IPO in June but has not committed to a specific date. Reports had suggested the company was weighing a 2027 listing, a timeline Altman's latest remarks appear to confirm.

Altman indicated that OpenAI and other leading AI companies may soon announce a coordinated agreement to collaborate on safety measures and potentially slow the pace of AI capability development. The decision reflects a broader industry focus on addressing safety concerns before pursuing market expansion.