OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is in discussions with Reliance Industries, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and existing stakeholder the UAE’s MGX to secure $ 40 billion in funding, The Information reported.
As per the report, each investor might contribute “at least hundreds of millions of dollars” to the fundraising effort as the Microsoft‑backed AI leader aims to advance its model‑development and infrastructure plan, Stargate.
OpenAI is also negotiating with Coatue and Founders Fund to raise at least $ 100 million from each. The Microsoft‑backed company plans to raise an additional $ 17 billion by 2027. Additionally, the report revealed that SoftBank, the primary investor in ChatGPT’s parent company, has been purchasing employee shares.
In March 2025, OpenAI initiated a $ 40 billion funding round, valuing the company at $ 300 billion, to enhance AI research, infrastructure and tools for its 500 million monthly ChatGPT users. The SoftBank‑backed initiative aims to foster innovation and advance toward positive AGI.
Earlier, the AI giant was reportedly keen to partner with Reliance Industries on new AI projects. It sought to collaborate with Reliance Jio, the group’s telecom division, to distribute or sell its AI solutions, such as ChatGPT.
Reliance's Plan
Reliance, which also offers cloud‑computing services, is reportedly considering a proposal to sell OpenAI’s models to commercial customers through an API. However, Microsoft may be involved in the deal, as it holds exclusive rights to resell OpenAI models to businesses via an API.
Approximately one month ago, OpenAI announced data residency in India and several Asian countries, including Japan and South Korea. This allows users in these regions to store data locally, enabling Indian users to comply with data‑sovereignty regulations while using OpenAI products such as the OpenAI API, ChatGPT Enterprise and ChatGPT Edu.
Earlier, in February 2025, OpenAI launched its AI agent “Operator” for Pro users in multiple countries, including India, aligning with the global surge in agentic AI. Operators can perform various tasks, such as viewing a webpage and interacting with it by typing, clicking and scrolling.
OpenAI–India Ties
As India emerges as ChatGPT’s fastest‑growing market, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, who previously stated that “poor countries like India couldn’t catch up in the AI race,” is now intensifying efforts in the country.
According to internet expert Mary Meeker’s 2025 AI Trends study, India leads global ChatGPT usage with 13.5 %, followed by the United States at 9 %, and Indonesia and Brazil at 5 % each.
