OpenAI expands horizons with $1.1B Statsig startup acquisition

OpenAI has announced plans to acquire Bellevue-based product testing startup Statsig in a recent landmark all-stock deal of $1.1 billion.

The deal marks one of the largest acquisitions in OpenAI's history. The purchase will help ChatGPT’s maker in developing products and cementing its application division.

Besides acquisition, some executive shuffles are also underway as Statsig’s founder and Chief Executive Officer Vijaye Raji will take the helm as chief technology officer in OpenAI, working under Fidji Simo, the CEO of the division.

According to Simo, “The joining of Raji would help developers to use OpenAI’s technology to develop safe applications that empower people.”

Having been founded in 2021, the US-based testing company is known for building tools for software developers, helping them to analyze and flag potential new features.

According to Statsig’s official website, several employees at Eventbrite, OpenAI, SoundCloud, and other reputable firms have been the customers of its software services.

Earlier this month, Statsig raised $100 million in a funding round at the valuation of $1.1 billion.

OpenAI has been making efforts to acquire big-ticket purchases. In March, OpenAI finalized a deal to raise $40 billion at the valuation rate of $300 billion.

In July, ChatGPT parent company bought an AI device startup co-founded by Apple Inc.’s former design chief Jony Ive in a $6.5 billion deal.

After the recent acquisition, Statsig is awaiting regulatory review.