Databricks wanted $1B, investors offered $15B, settled at $5B on a $190B valuation

Databricks wanted to raise $1B, investors wanted $15B. It settled on $5B at a $190B valuation.

Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi told TechCrunch the company originally planned to raise $1B. After The Information leaked the round, investors rushed in offering up to $15B. They settled on $5B at a $190B valuation. Ghodsi said AI is expensive and turning away too many existing VCs would cause friction. The post doesn't disclose specific use of funds or investor names.

Why it matters: Databricks closes $5B at a $190B valuation, with the CEO detailing the $1B→$15B→$5B negotiation arc — solid numbers and a candid narrative. Held below 85 because the post doesn't disclose how the money will be spent or who the new investors are, leaving a key gap.