OpenAI says ChatGPT’s weekly users have grown to 200 million, reflecting a significant increase in user engagement since its launch. This is double the number of users the chatbot had during the fall season of last year. Launched in 2022, ChatGPT is designed to generate human-like text based on user prompts. Last November, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reported that the chatbot had 100 million weekly active users.
OpenAI has revealed that 92% of Fortune 500 companies are utilizing its products. The use of OpenAI’s Application Programming Interface (API), which enables different software programs to communicate, has also doubled since the introduction of GPT-4o mini in July. The GPT-4o mini is a smaller, cost-effective AI model. It aims to make AI technology more accessible and less energy-consuming, broadening OpenAI’s customer base.
The popularity of ChatGPT has significantly boosted interest in artificial intelligence, contributing to OpenAI’s rapid growth. The San Francisco-based company has seen a sharp increase in its valuation, driven by the widespread use of its technology.
Partnership with the U.S. Government
OpenAI says ChatGPT’s weekly users have grown to 200 million, a milestone that underscores the chatbot’s impact on the AI industry. In a separate development, OpenAI, along with another AI startup, Anthropic, has signed agreements with the U.S. government. These deals are for research, testing, and evaluation of their artificial intelligence models. The U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute confirmed these agreements earlier today.
Media reports suggest that Apple and Nvidia are in discussions to invest in OpenAI as part of a new funding round. This round of investment could value OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, at over $100 billion. Microsoft, a current backer of OpenAI, is also expected to participate in this new investment round.
Apple and Nvidia in Talks to Invest in OpenAI
OpenAI says ChatGPT’s weekly users have grown to 200 million, attracting the attention of major tech companies and investors. Apple and Nvidia are reportedly discussing potential investments in OpenAI as part of a new fundraising round. This round could value the artificial intelligence company, known for its chatbot ChatGPT, at over $100 billion. The Wall Street Journal first reported Apple’s interest, citing anonymous sources. Bloomberg News also reported that Nvidia, the leading chip manufacturer, might participate in the investment.
The investment news comes shortly after reports that venture capital firm Thrive Capital plans to invest around $1 billion in OpenAI, leading the upcoming funding round. Despite inquiries, Apple and OpenAI have not responded to Reuters’ requests for comments. Thrive Capital, Nvidia, and Microsoft have also declined to provide any statements regarding their involvement.
OpenAI’s Strategic Importance to Apple
OpenAI has become a key player in Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy. In June, the tech giant integrated ChatGPT, OpenAI’s popular chatbot, into its devices under the initiative called “Apple Intelligence.” Additionally, Apple is said to have gained an observer role on OpenAI’s board, highlighting the growing partnership between the two companies.
Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest investor with over $10 billion already invested, is also expected to participate in the new funding round, according to the Wall Street Journal. However, the specific amounts that Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia plan to invest have not been disclosed.
OpenAI’s valuation has significantly increased due to the widespread interest in artificial intelligence that it sparked with the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. The release of this AI technology has pushed companies across various sectors to invest billions, aiming to stay competitive and capture market share in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
In February, OpenAI was reportedly valued at $80 billion following a tender offer led by Thrive Capital. This deal involved the sale of existing shares, marking another significant milestone in the company’s financial growth.
OpenAI continues to expand its influence in the artificial intelligence sector. With its growing user base, partnerships, and potential new investments, the company is well-positioned for future growth.
Also Read: OpenAI Denies Infringement Allegations in Author Copyright Cases, Citing Fair Use Doctrine.
