Nvidia’s Huang dismisses OpenAI rift talk, signals biggest-ever investment

Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang on January 31 flatly denied reports of friction with OpenAI, saying the chipmaker plans to make a “huge” — and potentially its largest-ever — investment in the ChatGPT creator, even as the AI firm pursues one of the biggest funding rounds in tech history.

Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Huang rejected suggestions that he was unhappy with OpenAI after a Wall Street Journal report said Nvidia’s proposed investment had stalled amid internal doubts. “It’s nonsense to say I’m unhappy with OpenAI,” Huang said. “I believe in OpenAI. The work they do is incredible. They are one of the most consequential companies of our time, and I really love working with Sam.”

Nvidia had announced in September plans to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI — a move that would provide the AI company with deep capital and privileged access to advanced chips critical to maintaining its lead in an increasingly crowded field.

The Journal reported that Huang had privately described the original figure as non-binding and had raised concerns about OpenAI’s business discipline and intensifying competition from rivals such as Google and Anthropic.

Huang pushed back publicly, confirming Nvidia’s intent to participate in the ongoing funding round led by OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman. “Sam is closing the round and we will absolutely be involved,” he said. “We will invest a great deal of money, probably the largest investment we’ve ever made.”

However, Huang played down speculation that Nvidia’s commitment would reach the earlier headline number. Asked if the investment would exceed $100 billion, he replied: “No, no, nothing like that,” adding that it was for Altman to disclose the final amount OpenAI intends to raise.

According to Reuters, OpenAI is seeking up to $100 billion in fresh funding, a round that could value the company at about $830 billion. Amazon is also in talks to invest tens of billions of dollars, with figures potentially rising as high as $50 billion.

Huang was speaking outside a restaurant in Taipei after hosting what Taiwanese media dubbed the “trillion-dollar dinner,” attended by Nvidia’s key suppliers, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The moniker reflected the combined market capitalisation of the executives around the table — and underscored the stakes riding on the next phase of the global AI race.