OpenAI plans to take a cut of customers’ AI-aided discoveries

Examining a potential shift in how AI value is monetized for commercial customers

OpenAI is considering a new monetization concept in which it would take a share of the financial value derived when its AI tools help customers make commercially valuable discoveries or inventions. According to The Information, the company’s CFO has floated the idea that OpenAI could receive a “cut” of outcomes when its technology directly contributes to profitable results. This proposal would go beyond traditional subscription and usage fees and represents an exploration of licensing, profit-sharing, or outcome-based pricing models. The idea signals a broader shift in how AI platforms might align their financial interests with the success of enterprise customers.

Key takeaways

• Outcome-based pricing concept: OpenAI is considering taking a cut of value created when its AI materially contributes to profitable outcomes, rather than charging only for access or usage.
• Enterprise-oriented approach: The discussions focus on commercial and enterprise use cases where outcomes can be clearly linked to financial results.
• Early and undefined: The model is not finalized, and specifics such as attribution, pricing mechanics, or enforcement remain unclear.
• Implication for hotels: If applied to agentic travel discovery and booking, AI providers could seek revenue share tied to bookings or incremental revenue, introducing a new distribution cost alongside or in place of OTA commissions.

Source: The Information

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