The Sequence Opinion #746 : Could OpenAI Issue Its Own Crypto Token?
Is crypto finance an option for the AI giant?
Today we are going to explore a really controversial topic. Would OpenAI launch a crypto token? We are publishing this just as OpenAI has announced its plans to IPO in 2026.
OpenAI stands at the epicenter of an AI revolution, pushing the limits of technology – and the limits of traditional financing. CEO Sam Altman has openly hinted that funding the company’s ambitious plans may require an entirely new approach to finance. In interviews and statements, Altman has spoken about exploring “a very interesting new kind of financial instrument” to bankroll OpenAI’s growth, suggesting that conventional venture capital and partnerships might not suffice for the scale of investment needed. This has led to speculation that OpenAI could even launch its own cryptocurrency token as a novel form of financing. Such a move would be unprecedented for a major AI research lab, but Altman’s history in the crypto world and the immense capital requirements of OpenAI’s vision make it a possibility worth examining. In this essay, we dive deep into why OpenAI might consider a crypto token, how past partnerships have put pressure on its finances, Altman’s long-running involvement with crypto, and what a pragmatic token strategy could look like for the AI powerhouse.