Sam Altman on Building the ‘Core AI Subscription’ for Your Life
How OpenAI Developed ChatGPT
In the early days, OpenAI operated more like a research lab with strong beliefs but no clear action plan. The idea of building a company or product was far from their minds. Initially, the team experimented with projects like playing video games and robot hands, testing the limits of AI capabilities.
The first real consumer product wasn’t ChatGPT but the DALL·E image generation model and the GPT API. The team focused on building systems that were more than research papers, aiming to see if language models could be useful. This led to the launch of GPT-1, GPT-2, and then GPT-3. While GPT-3 was impressive, it wasn’t clear how to turn it into a sustainable business without significant investment.
In June 2020, OpenAI released the GPT-3 API. It initially caught the attention of Silicon Valley but not the wider world. Some startups used it mainly for copywriting services, while users enjoyed interacting with it through the Playground, even though it wasn’t optimized for chat. This user interest in conversational AI paved the way for ChatGPT’s development.
ChatGPT was officially launched on November 30, 2022. Within a short time, it attracted over 500 million weekly users, demonstrating the huge demand for conversational AI tools.
Building the Core AI Subscription
Recent advances in model quality have made ChatGPT a strong, versatile product. One model now performs well across many tasks, which is notable given the complexity of AI development.
OpenAI’s goal is to become the core AI subscription for users. This means not just refining ChatGPT but also developing new platforms, devices, and integration methods. While the exact form of their API or SDK is still evolving, the ambition is to create a platform that enables significant innovation and wealth creation.
The Generational Divide in AI Adoption
Large companies often struggle with AI adoption due to organizational inertia. Their processes are slow, sometimes meeting only annually to decide on technology use, which hampers agility. This pattern repeats with every major tech shift; startups are quicker to adapt and innovate.
There is also a noticeable generational gap in AI use. Younger users tend to adopt AI tools more naturally and creatively than older generations. This divide is similar to how smartphones were embraced more quickly by younger people.
Where Will Most Value Creation Come From?
In the near term, value will come from three areas: building AI infrastructure, improving models, and integrating AI into society. In 2025, AI agents performing tasks—especially coding—are expected to dominate.
There’s potential for AI to assist in significant scientific discoveries soon. By 2027, the focus may shift from intellectual breakthroughs to physical applications, with robots playing a bigger role in economic value creation.
Leadership Advice for Founders
Endurance improves over time. While challenges grow in scale and stakes, the emotional toll becomes easier to manage with experience. Founders often find the immediate crisis manageable due to adrenaline and support.
The more difficult part is coping with the aftermath—rebuilding and moving forward after a setback. This recovery phase is less discussed but crucial. Practicing resilience during this period can prepare founders for long-term success.
For those interested in expanding their AI skills and staying current with developments, exploring relevant courses and certifications can be valuable. Resources like Complete AI Training offer practical learning paths tailored to today’s AI landscape.
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