Title: OpenAI Eyes $6.5 Billion Funding Round at $150 Billion Valuation

In a recent development, OpenAI, the prominent artificial intelligence (AI) startup, is reportedly in discussions with potential investors to raise an impressive $6.5 billion in funding. This hefty amount is rumored to be set at a pre-money valuation of $150 billion, marking a significant increase from its earlier reported valuation of $86 billion earlier this year. If successful, this funding round would catapult OpenAI's valuation to unprecedented heights, far surpassing that of any other AI startup in existence today.

According to sources, the funding round will likely be led by Thrive Capital, a key investor known for its previous support of OpenAI. Thrive Capital's involvement in this round suggests a continued belief in the potential and success of the AI startup. Additionally, reports also mention the possible participation of heavyweight investors such as Microsoft, Apple, and Nvidia, all of whom have established partnerships with OpenAI and have a vested interest in its progress.

In an interesting twist, Bloomberg's sources reveal that OpenAI is also exploring the possibility of raising $5 billion in debt from selected banks. This strategy indicates the startup's commitment to securing substantial capital to fuel its ambitious growth plans and further expand its AI capabilities.

Previous reports from August had suggested that Thrive Capital was spearheading a massive funding round for OpenAI, with plans to contribute around $1 billion. However, at that time, the estimated valuation for the AI startup was projected to be approximately $100 billion, making the current figure of $150 billion a remarkable surge.

OpenAI, founded by Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Ilya Sutskever, Greg Brockman, and Wojciech Zaremba, aims to revolutionize the field of AI and advance the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI). The company's cutting-edge research and breakthroughs in deep learning have garnered widespread attention and attracted prestigious partnerships.

While the negotiations and finalization of OpenAI's funding round are still ongoing, should the startup secure the anticipated $6.5 billion at a staggering $150 billion valuation, it would undoubtedly solidify its position as a major player in the AI landscape. The financial infusion would provide OpenAI with the necessary resources to continue pushing the boundaries of AI innovation and bring us closer to a future where intelligent machines play a transformative role in various industries.