OpenAI Projects $115 bn Cash Burn by 2029 Amid Costly AI Expansion
OpenAI is projected to spend more than $8 billion in 2025 alone, about $1.5 billion higher than previously anticipated.
OpenAI expects its cumulative cash burn to soar to $115 billion by 2029, according to a report from The Information. The revised figure marks an $80 billion jump from earlier forecasts, underscoring the massive infrastructure demands of scaling its flagship ChatGPT platform.
The San Francisco-based startup is projected to spend more than $8 billion in 2025 alone, about $1.5 billion higher than previously anticipated. Spending is expected to accelerate in the coming years, reaching $17 billion in 2026, $35 billion in 2027, and $45 billion in 2028.
To rein in costs, OpenAI is moving aggressively into hardware and infrastructure. The company is developing its first in-house AI chip in partnership with Broadcom, due in 2026, which it plans to use internally.
OpenAI also expanded its alliance with Oracle, announcing a 4.5-gigawatt data center buildout as part of its ambitious Stargate initiative, valued at up to $500 billion. In addition, it has tapped Google Cloud to diversify its computing suppliers.
The startup is also building an AI-powered hiring platform that could challenge LinkedIn, the company confirmed Thursday. Called the OpenAI Jobs Platform, the service is expected to launch by mid-2026.
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