OpenAI and Anthropic Launch AI Services Ventures to Disrupt IT Consulting

OpenAI and Anthropic launched separate joint ventures in May 2026 to transition from software providers to end-to-end enterprise AI services partners. The firms intend to acquire consulting companies and embed engineers directly within client operations to tailor AI models to specific workflows, mirroring a business model previously used by Palantir.

Anthropic established a $1.5 billion venture backed by Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, and Goldman Sachs. Under the terms, Anthropic, Blackstone, and Hellman & Friedman each contributed approximately $300 million, with Goldman Sachs committing $150 million. This venture focuses on integrating Claude models into mid-sized, private equity-backed companies to enhance financial workflows, risk modeling, and corporate decision-making.

Simultaneously, OpenAI established a services arm known as The Deployment Company (also referred to as The Development Company), raising $4 billion from 19 investors, including TPG, Bain Capital, and Brookfield Asset Management, at a $10 billion valuation. This structure reportedly offers investors a guaranteed 17.5 percent annual return over five years. Additionally, Google began negotiating omnibus licensing agreements for Gemini with several alternative asset managers.

These moves place the AI labs in direct competition with major Indian IT consulting firms such as Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and Wipro. While these IT giants are pivoting toward outcome-based revenue models, some have already formed partnerships with the AI labs to develop industry-specific solutions.