- Global Milestone: Microsoft hits $3 trillion valuation, secures second spot globally.
- AI Catalyst: Surge credited to OpenAI’s ChatGPT success and widespread AI adoption.
- Investment Impact: $13 billion investments in OpenAI drive record-breaking revenue.
On the wings of artificial intelligence
Microsoft has achieved a significant milestone, briefly crossing the $3 trillion valuation mark on Jan. 24. This places the tech giant as the second most valuable company globally, trailing behind Apple. The noteworthy ascent is largely attributed to the flourishing landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, with OpenAI’s ChatGPT playing a pivotal role in this success.
A rising tide amid turbulent seas
The surge in Microsoft’s valuation is propelled by the company’s substantial investments in OpenAI, totaling $13 billion. This commitment to AI has translated into record-breaking revenue over the past two quarters, and analysts anticipate another peak in the upcoming quarter, with projected sales reaching approximately $61 billion. However, amidst this success, regulatory scrutiny looms as U.S., U.K., and European authorities explore the possibility of regulating Microsoft and OpenAI’s partnership as a de facto merger. This follows regulatory inquiries, reminiscent of Microsoft’s recent acquisition challenges, particularly its successful completion of the Activision-Blizzard-King deal in October 2023.