OpenAI Projects Positive Cash Flow by 2029 Amid Soaring AI Development Costs
OpenAI does not expect to become cash-flow positive until 2029, according to a report by Bloomberg News citing a source familiar with the company’s financial outlook. The delay in turning a profit is attributed to substantial ongoing expenses, including investments in AI chips, data center infrastructure, and top-tier talent required to advance its artificial intelligence models.
Despite these significant costs, the San Francisco-based AI leader positions itself for rapid revenue growth through its paid services and enterprise offerings.
Massive Revenue Growth Forecast by Mid-Decade
According to Bloomberg’s report, OpenAI anticipates its annual revenue will exceed $125 billion by 2029. The company projects its earnings will more than triple in 2025, reaching $12.7 billion, fueled by the continued expansion of its subscription-based AI software.
Earlier reporting by Reuters in September 2023 estimated OpenAI’s 2025 revenue at $11.6 billion, with $3.7 billion expected in 2024, figures that align with the most recent projections shared by Bloomberg.
Also read: Alphabet Resumes $30 Billion Acquisition Talks with Cybersecurity Firm Wiz
Business Subscriptions See Rapid Growth
Since the launch of ChatGPT more than two years ago, OpenAI has diversified its revenue streams by offering subscription plans to individuals and businesses. The introduction of paid tiers has significantly boosted its user base, particularly in the enterprise segment.
As of February 2025, OpenAI reported over 2 million paying business users, doubling its subscriber count since its previous update in September 2024. The growth highlights increasing adoption of AI tools across sectors, reinforcing the company’s ambitious long-term financial targets.
