OpenAI and Anthropic are turning to consultants to fight their battle over the enterprise market
Business Insider
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
OpenAI and Anthropic are leveraging major consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, Accenture, and Deloitte to expand their influence in the enterprise market. These partnerships aim to integrate AI tools into corporate systems, optimize workflows, and scale AI deployments. OpenAI has teamed up with consulting giants to help businesses reimagine their operations using AI, while Anthropic has similarly aligned with Accenture and Deloitte to accelerate enterprise adoption of its models.
The move reflects a strategic shift by AI startups to gain credibility and distribution through established firms. Consulting companies are adapting by embedding AI into their services, with many now dedicating significant resources to generative AI projects. For instance, McKinsey reports that nearly 40% of its work is now analytics or AI-related, while BCG has developed more custom AI models than any other OpenAI client.
Despite progress, experts caution that fully integrating AI into consulting workflows remains a challenge. Tools like Copilot and Claude are not yet enterprise-grade, lacking the necessary safeguards and scalability for large-scale operations. The partnerships highlight a two-way evolution: AI startups gain access to corporate networks, while consultancies enhance their service offerings with cutting-edge technology.
This competition underscores the growing importance of AI in business strategy. Companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are racing to demonstrate tangible benefits for enterprises, while consulting firms are retooling their operations to remain competitive in an AI-driven world. The outcome could shape the future of corporate AI adoption, influencing how businesses integrate these technologies into their operations.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 3/3/2026