From the desk of Michael Mick Webster
Many of my readers know I have for years funded or caused to be funded many private corporations and LLC etc., through WIB Financial Group many of which went on to a IPO and then got on the public stock markets. And I’ve done well. But I have a new idea to Claim a Stake in Chatgpt’s Creator Before Its IPO.
ChatGPT” before an IPO SSSS
Claim a Stake in Chatgpt’s Creator Before Its IPO
It’s one of the greatest tech breakthroughs in human history.
Right up there with the invention of the telephone… the creation of electricity… and even the birth of the internet.
It turned the world on its head, overnight.
Kicking off the AI boom single-handedly… transforming the global economy.
And its mainstream adoption is off the charts.
It’s the fastest growing consumer application in history.
That’s right, I’m talking about: AI’s ChatGPT.
Here’s what I found out — how someone might get a stake in OpenAI / “ChatGPT” before an IPO, plus what the current situation is. I’m sharing this for education / what I’m doing — not as advice, because I’m not licensed.
🔍 What We Know Now
- OpenAI is still private
OpenAI has not yet officially gone public or announced a firm IPO date. Capital.com+2The Economic Times+2 - They’re exploring corporate structure changes
There are recent reports that OpenAI is changing its for-profit vs. nonprofit setup (including talked-about plans for a Public Benefit Corporation) to make future fundraising or possibly a public listing easier. Medium+3The Verge+3Reuters+3 - Valuation is huge, investor interest is very strong
In 2025, OpenAI raised (or is raising) huge amounts of capital; its valuation is estimated around $300 billion or so. Investors & VCs are very interested. The Washington Post+3IPO CLUB+3Capital.com+3 - IPO is not imminent
The CEO has recently said an IPO is not a priority right now. So while discussions and planning are underway, there is no public offering set yet. The Economic Times+2Capital.com+2
🛠 However Someone may Could Get In Before the IPO (What I’m Doing / Considering)
Here are routes people often use to get exposure to companies like OpenAI before they go public. Some are more accessible than others depending on status, capital, accreditation, risk tolerance, etc.
Strategy | How It Works | Who Has Access | Pros & Cons |
Pre-IPO / Secondary Markets | Buying shares from existing shareholders (employees, early investors) who want to sell before the IPO via private platforms. | Usually accredited investors, sometimes high-net-worth individuals; some platforms open partial access to non-accredited folks. | Pros: potential for big upside if company IPOs high. Cons:illiquid, high risk, may pay a large premium, regulatory/restriction issues. |
Pre-IPO Investment Funds / Venture Funds | Some VC funds or pre-IPO funds may have OpenAI allocations. Buying into those funds gives you indirect exposure. | Must usually be accredited / meet minimum investment amounts. Some funds might offer small minimums but with less control. | Pros: less hassle, pooled risk, professional management. Cons: fees, less transparency, you don’t own OpenAI stock directly. |
Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) | Sometimes a group of investors pool in via an SPV to buy private shares. | Accredited investors; depending on SPV rules, maybe some non-accredited if allowed. | Pros: structured way to invest; cons: fees, risk, longer hold periods, less liquidity. |
Watching for IPO announcements & reserving via brokers | Once OpenAI files for IPO, retail brokerage firms often allow people to express interest or pre-register. | Any investor with a brokerage account when IPO is open. | Pros: direct ownership, more accessible; cons: IPO share allocation often limited, price uncertain, risk of post-IPO drop. |
⚠️ Risks & What to Check Before Doing Anything
- Share restrictions / lockups: If buying pre-IPO, shares often come with restrictions on when they can be sold.
- Premiums & pricing: Pre-IPO shares often trade at big premiums based on hype — the real test is whether the IPO or future revenue justifies the valuation.
- Liquidity risk: It may be hard to sell your stake until after IPO or under terms favorable to you.
- Regulatory & structure changes: With OpenAI changing its structure (nonprofit / for-profit arms / public benefit corporation), things could shift in ways that affect investors.
- Not advice: Always consider your financial capacity, risk tolerance, and perhaps consult a professional if you're putting in large amounts.
✅ What I’m Doing (My Approach)
Here’s what I am doing personally or considering:
- Monitoring trusted pre-IPO platforms (ones I believe are legitimate) for any secondary share offerings.
- Tracking any updates from OpenAI around IPO filings, SEC submissions, or regulatory approvals.
- Keeping an eye on companies that partner with OpenAI (like Microsoft) as a way of indirect exposure.
- Not investing amounts I can’t afford to lock up for a long time.
Jere’s. my step-by-step checklist you (or anyone interested) can follow to explore getting exposure to OpenAI / ChatGPT (SSSS) before its IPO. This is for educational purposes only — I’m not a licensed advisor, accountant, or broker. I’m simply outlining what I’m watching and doing myself as a businessman.
✅ Pre-IPO Investment Checklist for OpenAI / ChatGPT (SSSS)
1. 📡 Stay Updated on OpenAI’s Structure & IPO Plans
- Follow credible sources: The Verge, TechCrunch, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal.
- Set up Google Alerts for “OpenAI IPO” and “OpenAI stock”.
- Watch SEC filings (when/if OpenAI files an S-1 form, that’s the official IPO step).
2. 🏦 Explore Secondary Marketplaces (Pre-IPO Platforms)
Some platforms where private company shares are occasionally available:
- Forge Global (forgeglobal.com)
- EquityZen (equityzen.com)
- Hiive (hiive.com)
- SharesPost (now part of Forge)
✅ Steps:
- Create an account (may need accreditation).
- Search for “OpenAI” or “SSSS” (Special Series Share Sales or private stock).
- Review offering terms carefully (pricing, minimum investment, restrictions).
⚠️ Note: Pre-IPO shares are usually sold by employees or early investors, and access may be limited.
3. 💼 Consider Pre-IPO or Venture Funds
If direct access isn’t available:
- Some venture funds or SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles) buy allocations of hot private companies.
- Joining one of these funds gives you indirect exposure to OpenAI.
✅ Steps:
- Look into platforms like AngelList or VC groups that specialize in AI.
- Ask if they have OpenAI allocations or partnerships.
- Review fees, lockups, and minimums.
4. 💻 Indirect Exposure via Microsoft
Since Microsoft owns a large stake in OpenAI and integrates ChatGPT into its products, buying Microsoft shares ($MSFT) is the most accessible way to ride OpenAI’s success.
✅ Steps:
- Open any brokerage account.
- Buy $MSFT stock for indirect exposure while waiting for OpenAI’s IPO.
5. 📋 Get Ready for IPO Allocation
When OpenAI does file for IPO:
- Major brokerages (Fidelity, Schwab, Robinhood, E*TRADE) often allow clients to request IPO allocations.
- Sign up for IPO alerts with your brokerage.
✅ Steps:
- Ensure your brokerage account is funded.
- Express interest once the IPO is announced.
- Understand that allocation is limited and competitive.
6. ⚖️ Understand the Risks
- Liquidity risk: Pre-IPO shares may be locked up until after IPO.
- Pricing risk: Private market shares often trade at inflated prices.
- Regulatory risk: OpenAI’s unique nonprofit / for-profit structure could change how shares are valued.
- Volatility: Even hyped IPOs often fall after debut (think Coinbase, Rivian).
7. 📞 Network & Leverage Relationships
Sometimes the best opportunities come from:
- Employee contacts at OpenAI or Microsoft.
- Investor groups, family offices, or accredited investor networks.
- Attending AI and venture capital conferences where SPVs are marketed.
📌 Final Word (My Position)
I’m not telling anyone what they should do. I’m simply sharing:
👉 I’m monitoring pre-IPO platforms, watching IPO news, and keeping exposure via Microsoft stock until OpenAI is truly investable.
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