OpenAI CEO says IPO in 2026 would be ill-advised, no plans to go public

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman told Fortune that the company does not plan to pursue an initial public offering in 2026, emphasizing that safety considerations outweigh any rush to market. In a 45‑minute interview, Altman addressed a range of topics, including a recent security breach at Hugging Face, the concept of recursive self‑improvement in artificial intelligence, and the theoretical prospect of creating AI systems that could operate beyond human control. He acknowledged that such an outcome is “absolutely possible” but asserted that OpenAI would take preventative measures, including pausing training runs, to avoid incurring unacceptable risks for humanity.

Altman’s remarks reflect a broader strategic focus on responsible development rather than immediate financial milestones. By linking the decision to delay an IPO with ongoing safety work, he signaled that OpenAI intends to prioritize risk mitigation before expanding its shareholder base. The interview underscores the company’s commitment to addressing emerging threats while continuing its research agenda.