OpenAI unveils enterprise AI unit backed by $4 billion

OpenAI is launching a new company with more than $4 billion in initial investment to help businesses create and deploy AI systems, acquiring AI consulting firm Tomoro to rapidly scale the new unit. The acquisition will bring approximately 150 AI engineers and deployment specialists to the new entity from day one, with Tomoro's client roster including Mattel, RedBull, Tesco, and Virgin Atlantic. The move comes as OpenAI aggressively pursues corporate contracts following the consumer success of ChatGPT, while rival Anthropic also gains traction in the enterprise AI space. Meanwhile, a new startup called Ciridae has raised $20 million in seed funding, led by Accel with participation from Andreessen Horowitz and General Catalyst, to bring AI capabilities to mid-market U.S. businesses that lack the resources of Fortune 500 companies. The company focuses on "unsexy" sectors like home services, construction, and industrial distribution, arguing these businesses face existential AI risk despite being least equipped to implement transformation independently. The startup has already worked with more than 20 partners and generated high seven-figure revenue in 2025, including helping a Dallas commercial construction company reduce its monthly accounting close process from two weeks to a single click. According to Microsoft's 2026 Work Trend Index, organizational factors such as culture, manager support, and talent practices account for 67% of reported AI impact, compared with 32% attributed to individual mindset, suggesting AI ROI depends heavily on workflow redesign and incentive restructuring. The research found that 66% of AI users say the technology has allowed them to spend more time on high-value work, while 58% say they are producing work they could not have produced a year ago. However, only 26% of AI users report their leadership is clearly aligned on AI strategy, and just 13% say they are rewarded for reinventing work with AI even when results are not immediate. Meanwhile, U.S. employers added 115,000 jobs in April, beating economist expectations, though the information sector lost 13,000 jobs and finance shed 11,000 positions.