OpenAI is also considering a deal that would allow Amazon to use its AI models,  which run the ChatGPT chatbot, in Amazon’s products and services. 

Amazon employees could also use the models for their work, despite the technology giant announcing job cuts over nearly 16,000 job roles, just days before.

According to reports, if talks are successful, Amazon could supply as much as half of a new funding round worth up to $100 billion. Other possible investors include Nvidia and SoftBank Group, which recently acquired DigitalBridge.

The funding round is not finished and could still change, the anonymous source added.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the $50 billion figure and said Amazon CEO Andy Jassy is leading the talks with Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. The report also said OpenAI is trying to raise up to $100 billion from investors.

This follows Amazon being announced as a founding partner alongside Accenture, Barclays, BT, Google, IBM, Intuit, Microsoft, Sage, SAS and Salesforce in the UK’s new AI Skills Boost programme, which aims to upskill 10 million workers by 2030.

However, Amazon’s actions raise questions about whether AI skills will truly safeguard workers, or simply make it easier for companies to reduce headcount.

Andrew McLernon, co-founder and CEO of Interlink, a global, AI-powered business, told Capacity: “AI skills on their own won’t protect jobs, but how companies choose to use AI will. If AI is treated purely as a cost-cutting tool, then yes, it becomes a shortcut to reducing headcount. 

“But when it’s used properly, AI creates headroom. It takes care of the heavy lifting so people can focus on judgement, creativity, experience and building trust, all the things AI simply can’t replicate.”

He continued: “While training millions of workers in AI skills is important, it’s only half the story. AI is now widely accessible, but what truly differentiates organisations is knowing how, when and even when not to use AI. That comes from experience, transparency and people who are confident enough to challenge the data, not just follow it.”

Peter Fedoročko, CTO of GoodData, AI data intelligence platform continued: “Amazon’s decision to cut 16,000 corporate roles is a signal that even the big names are rethinking the realities of automation and post-pandemic scaling. 

“Many companies overexpanded during a period of cheap capital and rapid digital acceleration. Now, they’re confronting what happens when AI, automation, and market efficiency collide with over-hiring,”

He reveals, the takeaway isn’t necessarily cost-cutting – it’s about system design. 

“How do we integrate tech? The companies that succeed will be those that use AI in core workflows early, understand which functions can be automated safely, and reallocate human talent toward higher-order problem-solving.

“AI isn’t eliminating the human factor; it’s redefining it. The value now lies in those who can design, monitor, and collaborate with automated systems – not compete against them.”

According to Fedoročko, the future belongs to organisations that treat AI not as a headcount reduction tool, but as a tool to benefit the workforce. 

“It’s not humans vs machines, it’s about giving the humans the best chance to succeed using a technology that isn’t going away,” he continues.

Trade organisation, GMB’s organiser Rachel Fagan, blasted the technology giant claiming: “Amazon is showing itself for what it is; a company that cannot be trusted to do the right thing by working people in the UK.

“Bosses are overseeing thousands of job losses which will cause huge damage in towns and cities across the country.

“Now is the time for decision makers to recognise Amazon as a company fixated on eye-watering profits at the expense of workers and local people.”

Related stories

Amazon confirms new round of job cuts after internal email leak

Amazon: What we know so far about latest job cuts

Nvidia, Microsoft and Amazon in talks on up to $6bn OpenAI investment