Recently, the crypto exchange platform Robinhood launched tokenized stocks of OpenAI and SpaceX in Europe, which has drawn widespread attention. However, OpenAI quickly clarified that these "OpenAI tokens" do not represent OpenAI's equity and have no collaboration with Robinhood.
OpenAI published a statement on the social media platform X, clearly stating: "These 'OpenAI tokens' are not OpenAI's equity. We have no partnership with Robinhood and are not involved in it." The company further emphasized that any transfer of OpenAI's equity requires their approval, and they have not approved any related transfers, reminding users to be cautious when investing in this project.
Robinhood first announced the news of these tokenized stocks at an event in Cannes, France, as part of its broader product demonstration, aiming to attract retail investors. A Robinhood spokesperson said that these tokens allow retail investors to indirectly access the private market, increasing investment accessibility and achieving ownership shares in a special purpose company through the Robinhood platform.
To attract users, Robinhood also offered a limited-time promotion, where eligible EU users who registered to trade stock tokens before July 7th would receive OpenAI and SpaceX tokens worth 5 euros. These tokens were issued through Robinhood's crypto platform under relatively lenient investor restrictions in the EU.
However, due to U.S. regulatory restrictions, U.S. users cannot currently access these tokens. John Korblyat, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Robinhood's crypto business, stated that the launch of this product aims to expand investment accessibility, allowing more people to participate in this emerging economy. Despite this, OpenAI continues to maintain distance from Robinhood, clearly stating that it will not take any responsibility for this tokenized stock project.
This incident sparked a strong market reaction, and Robinhood's stock price surged above $100, reaching a new all-time high.
Key Points:
🌐 OpenAI clarifies that it is unrelated to Robinhood's "OpenAI tokens" and emphasizes that they are not its equity.
⚠️ Robinhood offers tokenized stocks to attract investors, but U.S. users cannot participate.
📈 Robinhood's stock price rose sharply due to this news, reaching a new all-time high.