OpenAI CFO Warns Companies Risk Falling Behind Without Rapid AI Adoption
Sarah Friar, Chief Financial Officer of OpenAI, issued a stark warning to businesses and professionals during the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference on September 9, 2025. She stressed that those who fail to embrace artificial intelligence swiftly will be left behind in the evolving technological landscape.
“The people who will get left behind are not embracing AI fast enough,” Friar stated, emphasizing that the most significant competitive threats come from individuals and entities that leverage AI deeply to disrupt existing business models.
Rising AI Investment and Revenue Growth
OpenAI continues to escalate its investments to support its flagship ChatGPT large language model. According to reports from The Information, the company plans to increase its cash burn to $115 billion by 2029, with over $8 billion allocated for the current year alone. Despite high expenditures, OpenAI anticipates substantial revenue growth, aiming to triple its revenue to about $13 billion in 2025. The company recently announced reaching $10 billion in annual recurring revenue.
Addressing questions about profitability, Friar clarified that OpenAI operates as a for-profit entity within a nonprofit framework, reflecting its unique organizational structure.
Addressing Compute Resource Constraints
Friar highlighted compute capacity as a critical bottleneck amid soaring AI demand. To mitigate these constraints, OpenAI has expanded its partnerships beyond Microsoft, forging agreements with Oracle, Coreweave, and other providers to secure necessary infrastructure.
“We are doing a lot of prebuilding to get ahead of future needs,” she remarked, underscoring the company’s proactive approach to scaling compute resources to sustain AI development.
As AI adoption accelerates across industries, Friar’s comments underscore the imperative for companies and professionals to integrate AI technologies rapidly or risk competitive obsolescence.
FinOracleAI — Market View
OpenAI’s CFO message reinforces the growing urgency for businesses to accelerate AI integration to maintain market relevance. The company’s aggressive investment in AI infrastructure and expanding partnerships signal confidence in sustained AI-driven growth. However, the high cash burn and compute constraints present execution risks. Market participants should monitor OpenAI’s ability to scale compute resources efficiently and convert investment into profitable revenue streams.
Impact: positive
