Who’s powering next-gen nuclear energy: AI boom drives hybrid financing wave
But scaling such technologies will hinge on the ability to bring in banks and institutional investors
[SINGAPORE] Before Oklo went public through a special purpose acquisition company merger in May 2024, the startup had little more than a design for an advanced nuclear fission reactor.
It had no operating reactor, no revenue, and had yet to secure regulatory approval to build a commercial unit.
Backed by Sam Altman – whose company OpenAI created the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT – Oklo was valued at about US$850 million ahead of its listing, delivering substantial gains for early investors.