OpenAI COO says 'we have not yet really seen AI penetrate enterprise business processes' | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Ivan Mehta

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

OpenAI's COO, Brad Lightcap, has highlighted that while AI adoption is growing, it hasn't yet reached scale within enterprise business processes. He emphasized that enterprises are complex ecosystems with numerous teams and systems, making it challenging to integrate AI effectively. Despite the hype around AI agents potentially replacing traditional SaaS models, these predictions have not materialized, as companies like OpenAI still rely on established software solutions like Slack. Lightcap noted that demand for OpenAI's services is strong, with the company projecting significant revenue growth. However, scaling AI adoption in enterprises remains a challenge, particularly due to the need for iterative experimentation and integration into complex business processes. OpenAI is addressing this by focusing on measuring success through business outcomes rather than traditional metrics like seat licenses. The company has partnered with major consulting firms and rivals like Anthropic to push AI adoption, while also exploring the potential of recently acquired tools like OpenClaw. Lightcap pointed to India as a key growth market, where voice technology is gaining traction due to its ability to operate in low-bandwidth environments. This presents an opportunity to expand access to AI for underserved populations. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including the need for seamless tool integration and addressing concerns about job displacement. The evolving landscape underscores the potential of AI to transform enterprises but also highlights the complexity of achieving widespread adoption. As OpenAI continues to innovate and scale its offerings, particularly in regions like India, the implications for the tech industry—and the workforce—are significant. This focus on enterprise AI adoption not only shapes OpenAI's strategy but also reflects broader trends in the tech sector, where the integration of AI into traditional business processes is still unfolding. The company's approach to measuring success and its strategic partnerships underscore the ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and established corporate structures.

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/24/2026