How Can Retail Investors Invest in OpenAI? Analysis of Indirect Positioning Before IPO

As generative artificial intelligence technology continues to penetrate the global market, OpenAI has become the most iconic company in the field. OpenAI is expected to launch its initial public offering (IPO) this year (2026), aiming for a market valuation of up to one trillion dollars. For retail investors who cannot participate directly in the IPO, what other ways are there to benefit from OpenAI’s listing?

AI giant OpenAI expected to IPO this year

With its large language models and generative AI technology, OpenAI currently holds an absolute leadership position in the global artificial intelligence market. Facing the enormous “capital expenditure” required to train models, the company is continuously seeking external funding. According to the latest market developments, OpenAI is expected to officially launch its IPO this year (2026). Based on Bloomberg analysts’ estimates, its market value could reach as high as $850 billion.

Tech giants like Microsoft, SoftBank, and Nvidia compete to invest in OpenAI

Before OpenAI goes public, retail investors most commonly invest indirectly by purchasing shares of its major shareholders. Among them, Microsoft, as the core strategic partner, has invested over ten billion dollars and deeply integrated AI technology into its cloud ecosystem. Additionally, tech giants such as SoftBank, Nvidia, and Amazon have also invested heavily from the perspective of underlying computing power and cloud infrastructure. Investing in these companies is equivalent to positioning across the entire AI industry supply chain. However, investors should note that these giants have broad business scopes, and their investments in OpenAI constitute only a tiny fraction of their market value, so the stock price correlation may not be very high.

(OpenAI completes the largest funding round in history, raising $110 billion! Partners with Amazon, Nvidia, SoftBank, valuation at $730 billion)

Eightco (ORBS) holds $90 million in OpenAI shares

For investors seeking higher exposure, Nasdaq-listed Eightco Holdings (ORBS) offers an alternative option. The company recently announced an additional investment, bringing its total holdings of OpenAI shares to $90 million. Compared to tech giants like Microsoft with extensive business operations, Eightco’s asset structure is more focused. This move essentially creates a small vehicle for indirect ownership of top-tier unlisted AI companies in the public market.

In addition to holding OpenAI equity, Eightco is also the largest public holder of Worldcoin (WLD), owning about 10% of the total supply of tokens, and holds over 10,000 ETH and $76 million in cash and stablecoins. This cross-field asset allocation in artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies gives it a unique “alternative investment” profile in traditional capital markets. However, investors should carefully assess the high volatility and systemic risks associated with its potential returns.

This article, “How Retail Investors Can Invest in OpenAI? Analyzing Indirect Pre-IPO Strategies,” first appeared on Chain News ABMedia.