OpenAI launches Deployment Company for enterprise AI

OpenAI announced the OpenAI Deployment Company, a new unit that will embed forward-deployed engineers inside customer organizations to redesign AI infrastructure, connect models to back-office systems and accelerate production use of its latest models.

The unit will place engineers directly in client operations to run a focused diagnostic, identify priority workflows and work with leadership and frontline staff to redesign those processes. Forward-deployed engineers, or FDEs, will build, test and deploy AI systems that operate alongside existing business processes and software.

As part of the launch OpenAI acquired Tomoro, an AI consultancy and engineering firm that brings about 150 FDEs and prior client work for companies such as Tesco, Virgin Atlantic and Supercell. The Deployment Company will also partner with 19 investment firms, consultancies and system integrators. OpenAI named investors including Capgemini and McKinsey tied to roughly £4 billion in investment commitments. OpenAI will hold a majority stake in the new company to provide a unified customer experience whether clients work directly with OpenAI or through the Deployment Company.

OpenAI said the Deployment Company will operate as a standalone business unit to meet corporate timetables and requirements while remaining aligned with OpenAI research. The firm expects FDEs to design systems that anticipate where future model capabilities are headed so customer deployments can improve as new models, tools and deployment patterns become available.

Enterprise sales have become a larger share of OpenAI’s revenue. The company reported that enterprise clients now account for about 40% of revenue and that percentage is expected to reach roughly 50% by year-end. The new unit aims to convert model capability into production-grade systems that integrate with customers’ existing software, data and compliance processes.

Denise Dresser, OpenAI’s chief revenue officer, described the Deployment Company as a response to customer demand for help integrating AI into business systems: “The challenge now is helping companies integrate these systems into the infrastructure and workflows that power their businesses.” She added that the unit’s structure will allow teams to move at speed and scale to redesign complex workflows and deliver operational results.

OpenAI said FDEs will work closely with business leaders, operators and frontline teams to identify opportunities, redesign critical workflows and connect back-office applications to models. The company said the partnerships with financial backers and systems integrators are intended to scale engagements across industries while maintaining a direct line to OpenAI’s research roadmap and product updates.