Initially, reports indicated OpenAI’s annualized revenue neared $70 billion, placing it close to Anthropic’s reported run rate. However, the AI company has since informed investors that its actual revenue is approximately $20 billion less.
According to the Financial Times, the company has communicated to investors that its annualized revenue is “approaching $50 billion.” The publication also clarifies that the earlier $70 billion estimate originated from data OpenAI had previously shared with its investors, who then used it to benchmark against Anthropic’s annualised revenues, per the FT.
It is important to note that OpenAI and Anthropic employ distinct methodologies for calculating their annualized revenue — with Anthropic incorporating sales generated through its cloud partners, a practice not followed by OpenAI.
TechCrunch contacted OpenAI for a statement.
OpenAI’s revenue figures have become a point of contention for the company, particularly as it seeks to validate the substantial investments it receives; the AI powerhouse secured $122 billion in a single funding round in March. Earlier this year, leaked 2025 financial data revealed that the company generated approximately $13 billion but incurred considerably higher expenses. Moreover, OpenAI’s highly anticipated IPO, once rumored for this year, has now been postponed until early 2027.