Two of the world’s most valuable startups—Databricks and OpenAI—are deepening ties in the AI race.

On Thursday, Databricks announced it will spend $100 million over several years with OpenAI, integrating GPT-5 and other models directly into its data analytics platform. The move makes it seamless for Databricks customers to apply OpenAI’s technology to their enterprise data, without the complex configuration, legal, or security hurdles that previously slowed adoption.

“This is a game-changer,” said Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi. “Now, any Databricks user can start running OpenAI models with just a click in the interface—at pricing comparable to going directly to OpenAI.”

The deal also marks OpenAI’s first formal integration with a major enterprise-focused software vendor, according to COO Brad Lightcap. With OpenAI valued around $500 billion and Databricks topping $100 billion, the partnership represents a meeting of two of the industry’s heaviest hitters.

Lightcap suggested the revenue potential is far greater than the $100 million commitment: “Our aspiration is a multiple of that figure.”

A Growing AI Arms Race

The timing is no accident. Databricks has already inked similar partnerships with Google and Anthropic, while its rival Snowflake teamed up with Microsoft earlier this year to extend access to OpenAI’s models. Meanwhile, Oracle—holder of a $300 billion OpenAI cloud contract—plans to launch services this fall that let customers run OpenAI, Google, and xAI models on its databases.

OpenAI has also been steadily ramping up its enterprise strategy, leaning on Microsoft to distribute its technology across businesses, schools, and governments while expanding its own sales operations.

Customers See Big Potential

Early adopters are optimistic. Greg Ulrich, Mastercard’s chief AI and data officer, said the Databricks–OpenAI tie-up opens doors for research, experimentation, and productivity gains in a trusted environment.

For Databricks, which recently crossed $4 billion in annualized revenue (with $1 billion already coming from AI products), the deal is another step in reinforcing its market leadership. The company’s latest funding round pushed its valuation past $100 billion, while OpenAI continues to dominate consumer AI with more than 700 million weekly users on ChatGPT.

Both companies recently landed near the top of CNBC’s 2025 Disruptor 50 list—OpenAI at No. 2 and Databricks at No. 3—cementing their roles as defining players in the next chapter of enterprise AI.

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