Nvidia commits more than $40 billion to equity investments in AI companies in early 2026, including a $30 billion bet on OpenAI

Nvidia has committed more than $40 billion to equity investments in AI companies in early 2026, with a $30 billion investment in OpenAI representing the largest single bet. The chipmaker has also announced seven multi-billion dollar investments in publicly traded companies, including up to $3.2 billion in glassmaker Corning and up to $2.1 billion in data center operator IREN.

Nvidia has participated in around two dozen investment rounds in private startups in 2026, following 67 venture deals in 2025. The company has been investing in some of its own customers, leading to criticism from analysts that these represent circular deals.

Wedbush Securities analyst Matthew Bryson characterized Nvidia's investments as falling 'squarely into the circular investment theme' but suggested that if successful, they could help the company build a 'competitive moat.'