OpenAI becomes world's most valuable private company at $500 billion valuation

OpenAI is now the world's most valuable private company, reaching a $500 billion valuation after employees sold $6.6 billion in shares. The significant share sale to investors like SoftBank and Thrive Capital boosted OpenAI's valuation. This transaction was not a typical funding round, with proceeds going to individuals rather than the company itself. This development follows OpenAI's $40 billion funding round in August and highlights its ability to secure capital amidst ambitious infrastructure spending plans and competition from other AI labs.