OpenAI acquires personal finance startup Hiro and media company TBPN
Original: OpenAI’s existential questions
Why This Matters
Shows OpenAI diversifying beyond core AI models while addressing product and PR challenges
OpenAI recently acquired two small companies: personal finance startup Hiro and new media company TBPN. TechCrunch's Equity podcast discussed how these acqui-hires may help OpenAI solve existential problems around product diversity and public image while refocusing on enterprise markets.
OpenAI completed two notable acquisitions: personal finance startup Hiro and business talk show company TBPN. According to TechCrunch's Equity podcast hosts, these deals address OpenAI's existential challenges. The Hiro acquisition could help OpenAI develop products with 'more hooks than just a chatbot, and maybe something worth paying more for.' The TBPN deal may help OpenAI 'better shape its image in the public eye, which lately has not been great.' Both acquisitions are relatively small compared to OpenAI's scale and appear to be acqui-hires. The moves come as OpenAI reportedly refocuses on making ChatGPT and GPT models competitive in enterprise contexts, particularly with programmers. Podcast hosts questioned whether running a tech talk show should be on OpenAI's priority list during this strategic pivot.