OpenAI secures $10 billion funding as companies deploy AI agents for customer service

OpenAI has secured $10 billion in funding, including a record $6.6 billion venture capital round, boosting its valuation to $157 billion. This makes it one of the largest startups globally, alongside TikTok and SpaceX. The company continues to operate at a loss, projecting $5 billion in losses for 2024. Meanwhile, major companies like Disney and Saks are piloting AI agents to enhance customer experiences. These agents can provide real-time information and assist with transactions, such as booking and purchasing based on user prompts. As businesses explore AI technology, challenges remain, particularly in data preparation. Gartner predicts that 30% of AI projects may be abandoned by 2025 due to difficulties in implementation and data management.