OpenAI Hits 300 Million Weekly Active Users Amid Aggressive Growth Plans

 

Sam Altman, co-founder and C.E.O. of OpenAI

OpenAI has reached a significant milestone with 300 million weekly active users, marking a major achievement as it continues to expand its presence in the AI market. CEO Sam Altman confirmed the new figure during The New York Times’ DealBook Summit on Wednesday, revealing that OpenAI is now targeting an ambitious goal of reaching 1 billion active users within the next year.

This growth strategy comes as OpenAI positions itself against competitors such as Amazon-backed Anthropic and Elon Musk’s xAI. Altman described xAI as a "fierce competitor" during his speech, underscoring the competitive landscape as companies vie for dominance in the rapidly expanding generative AI market—expected to exceed $1 trillion in revenue within the next decade.

To strengthen its market presence, OpenAI recently hired its first chief marketing officer, Kate Rouch, from cryptocurrency company Coinbase. This move signals an increased focus on marketing efforts to expand its user base. Additionally, OpenAI introduced a new search feature within ChatGPT in October, directly competing with Google, Microsoft’s Bing, and other search platforms.

At the same event, Altman refuted reports that OpenAI had requested its investors refrain from investing in rival AI firms. However, Altman noted that those investing in competitors would lose access to OpenAI’s "information rights," including insights into its product roadmap and strategic developments.

Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, OpenAI’s valuation has surged to $157 billion. The company has raised approximately $13 billion from Microsoft, with its latest funding round bringing in $6.6 billion. OpenAI has also secured a $4 billion revolving line of credit. Last week, the company facilitated a $1.5 billion employee share sale via a tender offer in partnership with SoftBank, offering liquidity opportunities to employees as it expands operations.

With these strategic hires, innovative features, and funding initiatives, OpenAI aims to solidify its leadership in the AI market while pursuing its ambitious user growth targets.