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Anthropic and OpenAI have each announced the creation of new enterprise services units designed to embed AI engineers directly into mid-sized companies, signaling a strategic pivot toward consulting-style operations. This shift aims to reshape how AI firms generate revenue and compete with traditional consulting giants, making it a significant development in the AI industry landscape.

On May 4, 2026, Anthropic disclosed the formation of a $1.5 billion AI-native enterprise services company backed by major asset managers including Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, and Goldman Sachs. The firm will embed Anthropic’s Applied AI engineers into mid-sized companies across sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services, aiming to redesign workflows around its Claude AI model. This approach draws inspiration from Palantir’s forward-deploy engineering model.

Similarly, OpenAI announced the launch of a comparable entity, ‘DeployCo,’ backed by TPG, Bain Capital, and others, with a valuation of approximately $10 billion—significantly larger than Anthropic’s initial valuation. Both announcements occur within a week, illustrating a coordinated strategy to position these firms as operational partners rather than just software providers.

This strategic move coincides with Anthropic’s ongoing $40-50 billion funding round, which could value the company at over $900 billion, potentially leading to a public listing as early as October 2026. The series of announcements — covering distribution, compute capacity, and productization — signals a comprehensive effort to establish durable enterprise revenue streams and challenge the traditional consulting industry’s dominance.

Disrupting the Consulting Industry Model with AI

This development signifies a fundamental shift in how AI firms approach enterprise engagement, moving from software licensing to embedded, outcome-focused consulting. It threatens to redirect a substantial portion of the $1.4 trillion annual global IT services market, especially in mid-market segments underserved by traditional consultancies. The strategic positioning could enable AI-native firms to capture more value along the entire AI deployment lifecycle, challenging established consulting giants and redefining enterprise AI integration.

Industry Shift Toward AI-Embedded Enterprise Services

Historically, large consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, and the Big Four have dominated enterprise transformation, with the global IT services market valued at approximately $1.4 trillion annually. AI firms have primarily sold software licenses and APIs, but recent moves by Anthropic and OpenAI indicate a shift toward embedding AI engineers into client organizations, akin to Palantir’s forward-deploy model. This approach aims to deliver outcomes directly, reducing reliance on traditional consulting and systems integration services.

Earlier in 2026, Anthropic’s valuation surged past $900 billion, driven by a series of product launches, including new connectors and enterprise tools, positioning it for a potential IPO. Meanwhile, OpenAI’s DeployCo, backed by significant PE commitments, signals a parallel track of scaling operationally-focused AI services. These developments reflect a broader industry trend toward outcome-based, AI-driven enterprise solutions, disrupting established consulting practices.

“The world’s next great company won’t just sell software but will deliver outcomes—legal, financial, insurance—through AI-driven models.”

— Julien Bek, Sequoia partner

Unclear Long-Term Impact on Consulting Giants

While the initial moves suggest a significant industry shift, it remains uncertain how traditional consulting firms will respond over the coming 12-24 months. It is not yet clear whether AI-native firms will capture a substantial share of the mid-market or if the established giants will adapt their strategies effectively. The long-term impact on the global consulting market and enterprise transformation practices is still developing.

Next Steps for AI-Driven Enterprise Services Expansion

Expect further product launches, strategic partnerships, and potential IPO filings from Anthropic and OpenAI as they scale their enterprise operations. Monitoring how traditional consulting firms respond—whether through acquisitions, partnerships, or internal innovation—will be critical. Additionally, watch for industry analysis on market share shifts and the evolution of AI-native enterprise service models.

Key Questions

Why are Anthropic and OpenAI creating consulting-like units?

They aim to embed AI engineers directly into client organizations to deliver outcomes, shifting from traditional software sales to operational partnerships that generate ongoing revenue.

How does this challenge the traditional consulting industry?

By providing embedded, AI-driven services, these firms threaten to capture a significant portion of the $6 in services spent for every $1 on software, especially in mid-market segments underserved by large consultancies.

What does this mean for enterprise AI adoption?

It suggests a move toward more integrated, outcome-focused AI solutions that could accelerate enterprise AI deployment and reduce reliance on traditional consulting models.

Will traditional consulting firms respond to this shift?

It is not yet clear, but they may pursue strategic alliances, internal innovation, or acquisitions to compete in this new embedded AI services landscape.

When might we see these companies go public?

Anthropic is reportedly considering a public listing as early as October 2026, pending its ongoing funding round and strategic developments.

Source: ThorstenMeyerAI.com