VISI.NEWS | BANDUNG – OpenAI has publicly distanced itself from Robinhood after the trading platform launched tokenized shares of the AI company and SpaceX for its European users. In a post on X, OpenAI clarified that the so-called “OpenAI tokens” offered by Robinhood do not represent actual equity in the company.

“These ‘OpenAI tokens’ are not OpenAI equity,” the company wrote.

“We did not partner with Robinhood, were not involved in this, and do not endorse it.”

OpenAI further stated that any transfer of its equity would require formal approval. “We did not approve any transfer,” the company emphasized, cautioning users to “please be careful.”

Robinhood unveiled its tokenized equities offering on Monday during a product showcase in Cannes, France, which included staking products and a new blockchain infrastructure initiative. Following the announcement, Robinhood’s stock surged past $100, reaching a record high.

In response to OpenAI’s statement, a Robinhood spokesperson explained that the tokens are intended to give retail investors indirect exposure to private markets, facilitated through the platform’s stake in a special purpose vehicle.

“These tokens give retail investors indirect exposure to private markets, opening up access,” the spokesperson said.

Under the initiative, Robinhood offered €5 worth of tokenized shares in OpenAI and SpaceX to eligible EU users who signed up to trade the new stock tokens by July 7. The assets are issued through Robinhood’s crypto platform under Europe’s relatively looser investor restrictions.

“This is about expanding access,” said Johann Kerbrat, Robinhood’s SVP and GM of crypto. “The goal with tokenization is to let anyone participate in this economy.”

However, the move highlights tensions between crypto platforms that aim to democratize access to private equity and the companies whose brand and equity are being represented on-chain without direct approval.

Due to regulatory constraints, U.S. users are not able to access these tokenized shares. @ffr