OpenAI enters Thrive Holdings: the expansion of AI strikes again

The strategic partnership with Joshua Kushner’s group and the alliance with Accenture mark a new chapter in the expansion of artificial intelligence within traditional companies.

OpenAI is strengthening its presence with a move that confirms its strategy of expanding beyond the boundaries of big tech. On Monday, the company led by Sam Altman announced the acquisition of a stake in Thrive Holdings, the new vehicle created in April by Thrive Capital, one of its main investors. The goal is clear: to bring artificial intelligence into companies operating in sectors considered crucial—from accounting to IT services—and radically transform their processes, efficiency, and innovative capabilities.

Thrive Holdings acquires and manages operating companies that show strong potential for modernization through emerging technologies. Thanks to the agreement, OpenAI will embed engineering, research, and product teams directly within the controlled companies, enabling fast and targeted integration of state-of-the-art models and services. According to people familiar with the negotiations, the partnership is designed to align the incentives of the two organizations over the long term: growth at Thrive Holdings driven by AI will increase value for OpenAI, while compensating OpenAI for its technological contributions.

Joshua Kushner, founder and CEO of Thrive Capital and Thrive Holdings, spoke of “huge potential in sectors often overlooked by innovation,” stressing how AI represents a decisive catalyst for modernizing essential real-economy infrastructure. Brad Lightcap, COO of OpenAI, highlighted the transformative nature of the deal: a concrete demonstration of what happens when cutting-edge research and rapid deployment converge to rethink how organizations operate.

OpenAI also announced a new collaboration with Accenture: its enterprise platform, ChatGPT Enterprise, will be extended to “tens of thousands” of the consulting firm’s employees. This is yet another sign that generative AI is rapidly becoming a strategic asset for global companies—not only to innovate but to compete.

Andrea Pelucchi