OpenAI is gaining on Anthropic with business users, new data indicates

OpenAI is gaining ground on Anthropic in the business sector, according to new data from Ramp, a corporate credit card and expense management platform. The information, derived from spending patterns of more than 70,000 U.S. businesses using Ramp's services, reveals a shifting dynamic between the two leading AI firms. While Anthropic briefly took the lead in market share earlier this year, OpenAI has since closed the gap, holding nearly 40% of the business user base compared to Anthropic's 44% as of July. This data comes amid heightened competition between the two companies, both of which are preparing for potential initial public offerings. With neither yet disclosing detailed financial figures, Ramp’s insights offer a rare glimpse into how their respective business strategies are playing out. The data covers businesses that use Ramp’s corporate cards and bill-pay services, which are particularly prevalent in the technology sector. These companies represent a key segment for both OpenAI and Anthropic, as enterprise clients often rely on such platforms to manage expenses related to AI tool usage. According to Ramp economist Ara Kharazian, OpenAI has shown stronger growth among business users during the third quarter. This trend, though still early in the quarter, suggests a possible reversal of the previous advantage held by Anthropic. Kharazian noted that while OpenAI’s latest model, GPT-5.6 Sol, appears to be gaining traction among developers, Anthropic’s Fable 5 model has faced challenges due to its high cost and regulatory constraints around data retention. Anthropic had previously informed users that their data would be retained for 30 days, sparking controversy within certain circles. Despite these developments, the broader AI market continues to expand. Among Ramp’s corporate clients, the proportion of businesses purchasing AI services has risen steadily. In March, over half of these businesses were using AI tools, and by July, that figure had climbed to nearly 56%. This increase underscores the growing importance of AI in corporate operations, even as individual companies compete for dominance in the space. The data also highlights the volatility inherent in enterprise AI spending. Businesses appear to switch between different AI platforms based on evolving features, pricing, and compliance factors. This fluidity raises questions about the long-term stability of investment in AI technologies. Investors in both OpenAI and Anthropic will likely be watching closely as the market continues to evolve. Ramp has not disclosed specific dollar amounts spent by businesses on AI tools, instead focusing on percentage-based metrics. This approach limits direct comparisons of revenue but provides valuable insight into relative performance. The data does not include large enterprises that use alternative spend-management solutions, such as American Express, which means the findings reflect a subset of the broader market. As both companies continue to refine their offerings and navigate regulatory landscapes, the competition between them is expected to intensify. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether OpenAI can sustain its current momentum or if Anthropic will reclaim its position. For now, the data points to a rapidly changing landscape where both firms remain central players.