Reddit User’s Personal Loan for OpenAI IPO Plan: High Risks & Unconfirmed Timeline

A Reddit user proposed taking a $35k personal loan to invest in an anticipated OpenAI IPO, arguing wealthy investors use leverage and expecting an initial surge, while acknowledging family responsibilities and high risk. Comments universally advised against the plan: users labeled it desperate/greedy, noted wealthy use non-recourse leverage (not personal loans), highlighted OpenAI’s unprofitability and IPO volatility (e.g., Facebook’s 50% post-IPO drop), and pointed out difficulty securing IPO shares at opening prices.

OpenAI has no definitive 2025 IPO plans [2]; speculative reports suggest a potential 2026-27 launch at a $1 trillion valuation [2]. Expert analysis warns personal loans for IPOs amplify risks: dual exposure to market losses and mandatory debt repayment [4,7], plus IPOs are inherently speculative (volatility, oversubscription) [4].

Both Reddit comments and research align on the high risks of leveraging personal loans for IPOs. Research adds critical context: OpenAI’s IPO is not imminent, making the user’s plan based on unsubstantiated speculation [2]. The user’s comparison to wealthy leverage is invalid—wealthy use non-recourse, asset-backed leverage, not personal loans (per Reddit comments).

: Unconfirmed IPO timeline [2], catastrophic loss from debt + market downturn, OpenAI’s unprofitability, IPO volatility, difficulty accessing shares. : None justified given the speculative nature and leverage risk; any potential upside from an OpenAI IPO is overshadowed by dual risk of debt and market uncertainty.