OpenAI CFO: Data center investments will not change due to midterm elections

BlockBeats news, November 7 — OpenAI Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar said in a CNBC interview on Friday that the company will not change its AI infrastructure investment plans due to the U.S. midterm election results, and will continue to cooperate with major hyperscale cloud service providers while meeting AI customer demand through financing. She believes the election results will not significantly change the company's business, but as data centers receive more attention, OpenAI will continue to strengthen communication with local communities and build trust.

In this midterm election, among 41 local data center-related votes in 10 states, only one did not support measures to restrict construction or oppose support for development. Voters are mainly concerned that data centers drive up electricity bills, harm the environment, and affect employment. Friar said OpenAI confidentially submitted a listing application to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in June, is considering a 2027 listing, and is negotiating a new round of financing at a pre-money valuation of $1.25 trillion. She emphasized that AI demand is real and continues to grow.