AI RACE
More businesses are opting for OpenAI over Anthropic
OpenAI is making a comeback after losing its lead in the AI race back in May. At least when it comes to winning over business users.
The latest data from Ramp, a corporate expense management company, shows that OpenAI is growing faster among businesses than its nemesis Anthropic. In fact, OpenAI's business spend grew 82% quarter over quarter, compared to Anthropic's 76% (which is still nothing to scoff at).
This is likely for two reasons. The first is that GPT-5.6 Sol is killing it with developers. And second, OpenAI cut prices while Anthropic's Fable 5 stayed roughly twice as expensive per token.
But here’s the catch: there’s more than one race happening here. While OpenAI is outpacing Anthropic on growth, Anthropic is leading in revenue and holds a larger share of Ramp’s user base.
Splitting the scoreboard:
OpenAI's business spend grew 82% quarter over quarter, versus Anthropic's 76% rate.
Anthropic's Q2 revenue hit $11.6 billion, more than double the previous three months.
OpenAI's Q2 revenue was $6.7 billion. Less than Anthropic, but still up 18% from Q1.
The bigger picture
Zoom out and the story changes even more. Based on Ramp’s tracking reports, nearly 56% of businesses now pay for AI tools. That’s up from just 7.5% from January 2023. While this data is still limited to Ramp’s sample set, it shows that the market is continuing to expand.
These two competitors are running different strategies. OpenAI is leaning into customer acquisition, while Anthropic doubles down on the clients they already have.
But this neck-and-neck battle – especially as the market continues to swell – demonstrates that neither company has locked in lasting user allegiance. Businesses are switching providers as fast as labs ship new models.
Two rivals, one market, zero loyalty.
This race is as thrilling as F1. - TL