📊 Full opportunity report: The Forward-Deploy Pivot: Why Anthropic and OpenAI Are Becoming Consulting Firms in the Same Week on ThorstenMeyerAI.com — validation score, market gap, and execution plan.

Anthropic and OpenAI have each announced the creation of new enterprise service entities backed by major investment firms, marking a significant shift toward directly providing AI-driven consulting and engineering services to mid-sized companies.

On May 4, 2026, Anthropic announced a $1.5 billion AI-native enterprise services joint venture (JV) with major backers including Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, Goldman Sachs, and others. The firm aims to embed Anthropic’s Applied AI engineers into mid-market companies across sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services, resembling Palantir’s forward-deploy model. This move is part of a broader strategic effort to generate enterprise revenue and compete with traditional consulting firms.

Hours later, OpenAI announced a nearly identical initiative called ‘The Development Company’ (DeployCo), backed by TPG, Bain Capital, Advent International, and others, with a valuation of approximately $4 billion—more than twice Anthropic’s initial valuation. Both announcements are viewed as coordinated efforts to position these AI firms as direct competitors to the consulting industry, especially in the mid-market segment.

Industry insiders note that for every dollar spent on software, companies spend about six on services, making this a lucrative target for AI-native firms aiming to redirect a share of the $1.4 trillion global IT services market. The new entities seek to deploy AI engineers directly into client workflows, reducing reliance on traditional consultancies like McKinsey, BCG, and the Big Four systems integrators, which have historically dominated enterprise transformation projects.

Anthropic’s existing relationships with the Big 4 through its Claude Partner Network will continue, but the new JV is an equity stake, giving Anthropic direct ownership and a strategic advantage in capturing mid-market deployments. The move signals a structural shift in the consulting landscape, with AI firms positioning to challenge established players by offering outcome-based solutions rather than just software or advisory services.

Strategic Shift Toward AI-Driven Consulting

This development signifies a fundamental transformation in the enterprise services landscape. By embedding AI engineers directly into client operations, Anthropic and OpenAI aim to capture a larger share of the lucrative consulting market, which is currently valued at over a trillion dollars annually. This shift is part of a broader trend in the consulting industry.

The move also reflects a broader industry trend: AI companies are increasingly positioning themselves as outcome providers rather than just software vendors. If successful, this could accelerate the adoption of AI in enterprise workflows and reshape how companies approach digital transformation and operational efficiency.

Background of AI Firms Entering Consulting Space

Over recent years, AI firms like Anthropic and OpenAI have primarily focused on developing advanced AI models and securing large-scale funding. Anthropic’s valuation is approaching $90 billion, with a revenue run rate expected to surpass $9 billion in 2025, aiming for over $30 billion by 2026. OpenAI, with a valuation around $852 billion, has similarly expanded into enterprise offerings, including integrations with Microsoft and other partners.

Prior to these announcements, these companies primarily sold AI models and APIs. The recent moves into direct enterprise deployment and embedded engineering represent a new strategic phase, aiming to embed AI deeply into client workflows and challenge the traditional consulting industry.

This shift is driven by the recognition that the consulting industry’s profit model—$6 in services for every $1 in software—is highly attractive, and AI firms see an opportunity to capture a significant portion of this value chain.

“The structural shift signals AI firms are repositioning from software providers to direct enterprise service providers, challenging the traditional consulting industry.”

— Thorsten Meyer

Unclear Long-Term Impact and Market Adoption

It remains uncertain how quickly and effectively these AI-native consulting models will scale and whether they will fully displace traditional firms. The success of the joint ventures depends on client adoption, regulatory considerations, and the ability to deliver outcomes at scale. Additionally, the exact competitive response from established consulting giants and systems integrators remains to be seen.

Next Steps and Potential Market Shifts

Over the coming months, these entities will likely begin pilot projects and formal client engagements, testing their models in real-world scenarios. Monitoring their ability to secure mid-market deals and expand into larger accounts will be key. Further announcements from both firms regarding partnerships, client wins, and funding rounds are expected, alongside potential strategic responses from traditional consulting firms.

Key Questions

How do these new ventures differ from traditional consulting?

They embed AI engineers directly into client workflows, aiming to deliver outcomes through automation and AI-driven processes rather than just providing advice or software licenses.

Will this disrupt the existing consulting industry?

Yes, especially in the mid-market segment where AI firms see a structural opportunity to capture more value and reduce reliance on traditional firms.

What sectors are targeted by these new AI-driven enterprise services?

Healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, retail, and real estate are primary targets for deployment.

What are the risks for Anthropic and OpenAI in this strategy?

Risks include client acceptance, regulatory hurdles, scaling challenges, and potential pushback from established consulting firms.

Source: ThorstenMeyerAI.com