OpenAI
Definition
The company behind ChatGPT, and one of the most influential names in AI. It started as a research lab and became a household word almost overnight when ChatGPT launched in late 2022. It builds the GPT family of models and has a close, much-discussed relationship with Microsoft. When people picture "an AI company," OpenAI is often the one they have in mind.
Why It Matters
It's hard to follow the AI conversation without knowing who OpenAI is. They made the tool that brought this technology to everyone's attention.
What does that look like in practice?
When ChatGPT launched in late 2022 and everyone suddenly tried AI, the company behind it was OpenAI.
What people actually mean when they say this
When someone says 'OpenAI,' they usually mean the maker of ChatGPT and the GPT models, not AI in general.
Last reviewed: June 2026
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