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OpenAI is nearing a deal to raise more than $100 billion at a valuation that could exceed $850 billion, Bloomberg reports,<\/a> citing sources familiar with the matter.\u00a0<\/p>\n The deal comes as the ChatGPT-maker burns through cash as it inches towards profitability. To that end, OpenAI has said it has started testing ads in ChatGPT<\/a> for free users, a gamble that could lead to more revenue or could send users running from the platform.\u00a0<\/p>\n Apparently investors think it\u2019s worth the risk if they\u2019re valuing the company $20 billion higher than the $830 billion valuation initially expected. The company\u2019s pre-money value will remain at $730 billion, per Bloomberg\u2019s source.\u00a0<\/p>\n The first tranches of funding are reportedly coming from the usual suspects: Amazon (already in talks to invest up to $50 billion<\/a>), SoftBank (gearing up for $30 billion<\/a>), Nvidia (close to investing $20 billion<\/a>), and Microsoft. VC firms and sovereign wealth funds are expected to close later, potentially bringing the total amount raised higher.<\/p>\n TechCrunch has reached out to OpenAI for comment. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n