Jordan Bevan
OpenAI continues to experience remarkable growth, reaching 400 million weekly active users as of February, marking a 33% increase from 300 million in December. Despite intensifying competition from emerging AI models like DeepSeek, OpenAI’s rapid expansion highlights the increasing demand for artificial intelligence tools.
According to OpenAI’s Chief Operating Officer, Brad Lightcap, the widespread adoption of ChatGPT is a natural progression as more people discover its utility. Word-of-mouth recommendations and real-world applications are fueling its popularity. “Users see their friends using it, recognize its value, and find personal use cases over time,” Lightcap explained.
The company’s enterprise segment has also witnessed significant momentum. OpenAI now boasts 2 million paying business users, doubling since September. Many companies onboard ChatGPT after employees personally explore its capabilities and advocate for its integration. “Organic consumer adoption plays a big role in driving enterprise growth,” Lightcap noted.
Additionally, developer engagement has skyrocketed, with developer traffic doubling over the last six months. OpenAI’s advanced “reasoning” model, o3, has seen a fivefold increase in usage, as businesses incorporate AI into their applications. Industry giants like Uber, Morgan Stanley, Moderna, and T-Mobile have adopted OpenAI’s technology for various business applications.
The AI sector is becoming increasingly competitive, with new players like DeepSeek entering the scene. DeepSeek’s debut in January sent shockwaves through the tech industry, triggering market concerns about its potential impact on U.S. AI companies. Nvidia, one of the biggest AI chipmakers, saw a dramatic 17% stock drop, erasing nearly $600 billion in market value in a single day.
Despite this, OpenAI remains unfazed. Lightcap dismissed concerns that DeepSeek’s presence would alter OpenAI’s strategic direction or spending plans. He emphasized that DeepSeek’s emergence underscores AI’s growing influence in mainstream consciousness. “A few years ago, this level of AI impact would have been unimaginable,” he remarked.
Beyond competitive pressures, OpenAI faces legal challenges and high-profile financial maneuvers. Elon Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, has sued the company, alleging breach of contract as it pivots toward a for-profit model. Meanwhile, Microsoft has invested billions in OpenAI, and SoftBank is reportedly finalizing a $40 billion investment, potentially valuing the company at around $300 billion.
Musk, along with a consortium of investors, recently made a $97.4 billion offer to acquire OpenAI’s nonprofit assets. However, OpenAI’s board swiftly dismissed the proposal. In a response to Musk’s legal team, OpenAI’s attorney stated that the offer was not a legitimate bid. OpenAI Chairman Bret Taylor reaffirmed that the company “is not for sale.”
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