Apple and Nvidia are reportedly in discussions to invest in OpenAI, an artificial intelligence start-up based in San Francisco. The potential deal, which is being led by the investment firm Thrive Capital, could value OpenAI at over $100 billion, marking a significant increase of $20 billion from its valuation eight months ago. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, Thrive Capital is expected to contribute around $1 billion to the deal. Apple and Nvidia, however, have not provided any official comments on the matter.
OpenAI gained widespread attention with the release of its ChatGPT chatbot in late 2022, sparking an A.I. boom. Since then, the company has attracted substantial investment, including more than $13 billion from Microsoft and other investors, to support its ambitious A.I. projects. Nvidia, a key supplier of specialized chips required for developing A.I. technologies, has also seen tremendous growth, with its recent financial results showing a significant increase in sales and profits.
Despite increased interest in A.I. technology from major players like Google, Microsoft, and Meta, Apple has been perceived as lagging behind. However, Apple recently announced its plans to incorporate generative A.I. into its devices, enhancing features like Siri and adding new tools for writing and communication. The company is expected to reveal more about its A.I. advancements at an upcoming event in September, where it will also introduce its latest iPhone models.
