OpenAI raises $6.6 billion in record funding round, valuation reaches $157 billion

OpenAI has closed a $6.6 billion funding round, raising its valuation to $157 billion, making it one of the most valuable startups globally. This funding round is the largest in venture capital history. Key investors include Thrive Capital, Ark Venture Fund, Tiger Global, Microsoft, Nvidia, and SoftBank. The funding comes amid executive departures and OpenAI's shift to a for-profit model. Despite its high valuation, OpenAI faces challenges, including significant losses and competition from rivals. An IPO at this valuation would be the second-largest in U.S. history, but concerns about the sustainability of such valuations remain.