OpenAI Revises Compute Spending Target to $600 Billion by 2030
In a significant strategic shift, OpenAI has informed investors that it is now targeting $600 billion in total compute spending by the year 2030. This new figure, as reported by CNBC, represents a sharp decline from the previously touted $1.4 trillion figure that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman highlighted just months ago. The move raises concerns about the company's expansion plans, which were previously outpacing its potential revenue growth, but aims to offer a clearer and more conservative financial roadmap.
Aligning Spending with Revenue Projections
Citing sources close to the matter, the CNBC report reveals that OpenAI's revised plan provides a more direct tie to expected revenue streams. The company projects $280 billion in revenue by 2030, with this amount split almost evenly between consumer and enterprise businesses. By scaling back its infrastructure commitments, OpenAI hopes to reassure investors that its spending will align more closely with its growth trajectory, mitigating risks associated with overexpansion.
Massive Funding Round in Final Stages
The report further adds that OpenAI is also finalizing a huge funding round, which is expected to exceed $100 billion. Approximately 90% of this funding is anticipated to come from strategic investors. Notably, Nvidia is in talks to invest up to $30 billion, while SoftBank and Amazon are also negotiating for large stakes in the company. This funding round could value OpenAI at $730 billion on a pre-money basis, underscoring its significant market position and investor confidence.
Financial Performance and User Growth
In 2025, OpenAI generated $13.1 billion in revenue, surpassing its $10 billion target, while burning through $8 billion, slightly below its $9 billion forecast. The company continues to spend heavily on infrastructure but is now positioning its targets more conservatively to ensure sustainable growth. On the user front, OpenAI's flagship chatbot ChatGPT now boasts more than 900 million weekly active users, up from 800 million in October, rebounding after a dip in growth last fall.
Competitive Landscape and Strategic Focus
In December, OpenAI declared a "code red" to sharpen its focus on improving ChatGPT amid intense competition from rivals like Google and Anthropic. This strategic push appears to be paying off, as the company's coding product Codex has also surpassed 1.5 million weekly active users, competing directly with Anthropic's Claude Code. These developments highlight OpenAI's ongoing efforts to maintain its leadership in the artificial intelligence sector while adapting to market dynamics.
