Motley Fool Money OpenAI Wants Another $100 Billion
Dec 19, 2025
Lou Whiteman, a Motley Fool analyst focused on tech and consumer companies, and Asit Sharma, a specialist in technology trends, dive into OpenAI's ambitious $100 billion capital raise. They explore the profitability of AI models, contrasting enterprise and consumer focuses, and discuss Alphabet's AI comeback with Gemini's cost advantages. The conversation includes a playful discussion on which executives deserve 'candy or coal' for their performance, while examining big tech's pricing strategies and the uncertain future of legacy brands like Starbucks.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Compute Vs. Business Model Tension
- OpenAI faces a core tension: massive compute needs vs no steady cash-generating business like Big Tech.
- Without a clear profitable model, continual large fundraising may be unsustainable for OpenAI.
Specialize To Monetize AI
- Big models can't be Swiss army knives; firms must pick target markets to monetize effectively.
- Anthropic focuses on enterprise while OpenAI risks needing both consumer scale and profitable margins.
Explore Advertising And Partnerships
- Consider advertising or partnerships as a consumer monetization path for widely used AI products.
- Use brand partnerships like Shopify to funnel commerce and reduce reliance on subscription revenue.