Bill Gates did not become wealthy simply because he co-invented Microsoft technologies; he became a legend because he pioneered a new business model, one where software could be sold and licensed at scale. At a time when IBM bundled software with hardware at no explicit cost, Gates rewrote the economics of computing. That business model, not just technology, created Microsoft wealth.
Elon Musk is celebrated not merely because he built an electric car company, but because he reimagined how cars themselves generate revenue. His breakthrough was not batteries; it was the business model of monetizing software inside a car. When other automakers must pay Tesla billions in carbon credits, and when drivers pay recurring fees for additional features, Musk transformed an automobile company into a software subscription machine. That is why he is the high priest of money.
Now, with OpenAI, a new business model is emerging, a circular AI partnership model with a new enterprise layer. Consider this: "OpenAI and Thrive Holdings are partnering to accelerate enterprise AI adoption. Thrive invests in, acquires, and builds businesses positioned for long-term, technology-driven transformation. The initial focus is accounting and IT services -- functions with high-volume, rules-driven workflows where OpenAI's platform can drive immediate gains."
The move widens OpenAI's ongoing push to diversify its revenue streams at a time when the company is still battling to turn its wildly popular ChatGPT product into a profitable business. By embedding itself directly inside operating businesses across the "real economy," OpenAI is placing bets that its models can unlock new efficiencies, reshape traditional workflows, and ultimately return financial gains that could support its heavy compute needs.
Thrive Holdings focuses on buying, owning, and running companies that could benefit from new technologies like AI, with an early focus on accounting and IT services. As part of the deal, OpenAI will embed engineers, researchers, and product teams inside Thrive Holdings' companies, aiming to speed up their AI adoption and cut operating costs.
This is profound. Thrive has invested in OpenAI. And now OpenAI will supply the AI engines and engineering teams to transform the companies Thrive acquires. As those companies improve productivity and profitability through AI, OpenAI benefits again.
This is a flywheel. A loop. A circular business architecture where capital, AI capabilities, and enterprise outcomes reinforce each other.
For founders building foundational AI systems, this is the emerging playbook:
Partner with investment funds whose portfolio companies can become systematic adopters of your AI infrastructure. Embed your teams, deploy your stack, deepen usage, and your revenue becomes structural, not episodic.
The future of AI will not just be about models. It will be about new business models.