Who owns OpenAI? Ownership structure explained (2026)
Summary
An explanation of OpenAI's transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit Public Benefit Corporation, detailing its current ownership, key investors, and governance structure as of 2026.
Key quotes
OpenAI completed its conversion from a capped-profit structure to a full for-profit Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) in mid-2025.
Microsoft holds roughly 49% of the for-profit entity's economic rights, though its voting power and board representation are more limited.
Sam Altman, OpenAI's co-founder and CEO, received a 10% equity stake as part of the for-profit restructuring.
The article details OpenAI’s evolution from a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation. It highlights the 2025 restructuring and a $40 billion funding round that valued the company at $300 billion.