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Anthropic and OpenAI have each launched new enterprise services entities backed by major investment firms, marking a strategic shift from pure AI software providers toward AI-enabled consulting firms targeting mid-sized companies. This move aims to embed AI engineers directly within client operations, disrupting traditional consulting models.

On May 4, 2026, Anthropic announced the formation of a $1.5 billion enterprise services joint venture (JV), backed by Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, Goldman Sachs, and other major investors. The firm plans to embed Anthropic’s AI engineers alongside its own teams into mid-market companies across sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services, focusing on redesigning workflows around its Claude AI platform.

Hours earlier, on May 5, 2026, OpenAI revealed a similar initiative called ‘DeployCo,’ backed by TPG, Bain Capital, and others, with a valuation of approximately $4 billion—significantly larger than Anthropic’s JV at launch. This parallel development signals a coordinated effort to position AI as a core component of enterprise transformation, akin to a new kind of consulting service.

These announcements come amid reports that Anthropic is in advanced negotiations for a $40-50 billion funding round, potentially valuing the company at over $900 billion—surpassing OpenAI’s recent valuation of about $852 billion—and aiming for a public listing as early as October 2026. The pattern of announcements—distribution, compute capacity, and vertical productization—illustrates a deliberate strategy to project a durable revenue trajectory for AI enterprise services.

Disruption of Traditional Consulting Industry

These developments indicate a fundamental industry shift, as AI-native firms aim to replace or supplement traditional consulting services. The new entities target the mid-market segment, which is too small for Big 4 firms but too sophisticated for self-service tools, potentially capturing a significant share of the $1.4 trillion global IT services market. This could reshape how companies implement AI-driven transformations and challenge established consulting giants by offering more integrated, scalable, and cost-effective solutions.

Industry Shifts Toward AI-Driven Enterprise Services

Historically, consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, and the Big Four have dominated enterprise transformation, with the global IT services market valued at approximately $1.4 trillion annually. Recent advances in AI have prompted major AI firms like Anthropic and OpenAI to develop dedicated enterprise deployment models. Anthropic’s partnership with its Claude Partner Network and the ongoing expansion of its AI engineering teams have positioned it as a key player in the enterprise AI space. The formation of these new joint ventures reflects a strategic move to directly embed AI expertise within client organizations, bypassing traditional consulting channels and capturing more value in the process.

“The structural shift signals a move from traditional software sales toward outcome-based AI consulting, targeting mid-sized companies that are underserved by legacy firms.”

— Thorsten Meyer

Unclear Long-Term Impact and Industry Response

While the strategic intent and initial investments are confirmed, it remains uncertain how traditional consulting firms will respond over the coming months and whether these AI-native entities will achieve sustained market share. The scale and long-term profitability of these ventures are still developing, and regulatory or technological hurdles could influence their success.

Next Steps in Industry Transformation

Expect further announcements from both Anthropic and OpenAI regarding client deployments, funding rounds, and potential IPO plans. Traditional consulting firms are likely to adapt by integrating AI more deeply or forming alliances. Monitoring client adoption, revenue growth, and competitive responses will be key indicators of how significantly these AI-driven consulting models reshape the industry landscape in the coming year.

Key Questions

What is the main goal of Anthropic’s new enterprise services JV?

The goal is to embed Anthropic’s AI engineers into mid-sized companies to redesign workflows around Claude, effectively offering AI-driven consulting services that challenge traditional consulting firms.

How does OpenAI’s DeployCo compare to Anthropic’s JV?

OpenAI’s DeployCo is backed by larger PE commitments and has a higher valuation ($4 billion vs. $1.5 billion), indicating a potentially more aggressive market entry. Both aim to embed AI into enterprise workflows, but DeployCo appears to target a broader or different segment initially.

Will traditional consulting firms be affected?

Yes, these AI-native firms are positioned to capture a significant share of the mid-market segment, potentially disrupting the existing consulting industry’s revenue streams and strategic positioning.

What are the risks for these AI enterprise ventures?

Risks include technological challenges, regulatory uncertainties, client adoption rates, and competition from established consulting firms that may rapidly integrate AI into their offerings.

When might we see these ventures generate significant revenue?

While early signs suggest a focus on building capabilities and client pilots, full-scale revenue growth may take 1-3 years, with public IPOs potentially occurring as early as late 2026 or 2027 depending on market conditions.

Source: ThorstenMeyerAI.com