OpenAI raises $6.6 billion in funding as it shifts towards for-profit model

OpenAI has raised $6.6 billion in venture capital, marking a significant shift from its nonprofit origins. The funding round, led by Thrive Capital, includes investments from Microsoft, Nvidia, and SoftBank, making it one of the largest in U.S. history. This new funding will help OpenAI expand its AI research and increase computing capacity. The company is transitioning towards a for-profit model, which may change its governance structure to a public-benefit corporation. OpenAI's market value is now estimated at $157 billion. The funding comes as the company seeks to compete with rivals like Elon Musk's xAI, which recently raised $6 billion.