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OpenAI acquires Polish startup to boost ChatGPT training

OpenAI has acquired Polish startup Neptune, a company that develops tools to optimise the training of artificial intelligence models. While the terms were not officially disclosed, The Information reports the deal was “less than USD 400 million in stock,” or around PLN 1.5 billion. This marks OpenAI’s fourth acquisition this year

Alan Bartman
07.12.2025, 16:13
Na zdjęciu znajduje się Sam Altman, założyciel i CEO OpenAI
OpenAI began using Neptune’s training platform earlier this year. Previously, the Polish startup’s services were adopted by major firms such as Samsung, HP, and Roche. Source: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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The move is aimed at strengthening the infrastructure behind OpenAI’s cutting-edge research. Neptune specialises in monitoring and analysing the training of advanced AI models, a capability increasingly critical as AI systems grow in complexity.

“Neptune has built a fast and precise system that enables researchers to dissect complex training processes,” said OpenAI’s Chief Scientist, Jakub Pachocki.

Neptune joins the AI elite. What will the startup bring to ChatGPT’s creator?

Piotr Niedźwiedź, CEO and founder of Neptune, wrote on the company’s blog that joining OpenAI will allow the startup to continue supporting AI researchers. In the coming months, Neptune plans to wind down its external services, signaling a full focus on collaboration with ChatGPT’s creator.

“We have worked closely with OpenAI to build a metrics dashboard that helps teams develop foundational models. This deal will let us collaborate even more closely and innovate on tools at an entirely new level,” Niedźwiedź wrote.

The partnership is not entirely new. OpenAI began using Neptune’s training platform earlier this year. Previously, the Polish startup’s services were adopted by major firms such as Samsung, HP, and Roche.

For some in the industry, the sale carries mixed emotions. Piotr Mieczkowski, chairman of AI Poland and vice-president of the European AI Forum, called it a bittersweet moment.

“On one hand, it’s a success story for the local industry, showing that it’s possible to build a technology business in Poland and sell it successfully. Our ecosystem needs stories like this to encourage founders and attract venture capital. On the other hand, it’s another case of a Polish company - with all its talent and technology - ending up in the hands of a global tech giant,” Mieczkowski explained.

Founded in 2017, Neptune initially developed its platform as an internal tool for Deepsense.ai before spinning off as a standalone startup in 2018. As Mieczkowski notes, three people have been central to these firms’ histories: Tomasz Kułakowski, Robert Bogucki (now at Google), and Piotr Niedźwiedź, who is now joining OpenAI. Their departure represents a loss not only for the Polish but also the European tech ecosystem.

“Neptune was considered one of the key European AI solutions within the so-called ‘Eurostack,’ a European tech stack designed to secure digital sovereignty. Many companies used the platform in both SaaS and on-premise models, and they will now need to migrate to alternative solutions by 4 March 2026. Europe is losing yet another tool, which, due to capital advantages and valuations, ends up across the Atlantic,” Mieczkowski said.

OpenAI prepares for IPO. Four acquisitions completed this year

OpenAI has not disclosed how much it paid for the Polish startup. According to U.S. industry outlet The Information, Neptune agreed to “less than USD 400 million in stock,” which, at early December exchange rates, equals roughly PLN 1.448 billion.

For the American tech giant, the sum is modest. This year alone, OpenAI has completed three other acquisitions. In May, it bought Startup.io, a company producing AI hardware, for more than USD 6 billion. In September, Statsig, a platform for product analytics and development, joined OpenAI for USD 1.1 billion.

In October, the company announced the acquisition of Software Applications Inc., creator of the natural language tool Sky for Mac, though the purchase price was not disclosed. OpenAI itself was valued at USD 500 billion in October. In the first half of 2025, the company generated revenue of approximately USD 4.3 billion, up 16% year on year.

According to Reuters, OpenAI is preparing for a stock market debut. Its initial public offering could become one of the largest in history, potentially reaching USD 1 trillion. The company reportedly plans to file for its IPO with U.S. regulators in the second half of 2026.

Key Takeaways

  1. OpenAI acquires Neptune to strengthen AI research. The Polish startup’s platform is a powerful tool for monitoring and analysing AI model training. Neptune plans to wind down its existing contracts and focus exclusively on collaborating with ChatGPT’s creator.
  2. The potential deal value highlights its relative modesty. U.S. industry outlet The Information reported that OpenAI may have paid USD 400 million in stock for Neptune, making it a smaller investment compared with other acquisitions this year. Earlier in 2025, OpenAI paid USD 6 billion for Startup.io and USD 1.1 billion for Statsig.
  3. The bigger picture points to a 2026 IPO. According to Reuters, OpenAI - recently valued at USD 500 billion - is preparing a stock market debut that could be twice that valuation.