Artificial intelligence dominated economic conversations at Davos 2026 as private equity firms increased their exposure to the fast-growing but still uncertain sector.
Investors attending the World Economic Forum described AI as unavoidable, even as questions around profitability, adoption, and sustainability remain unresolved.
Several of the world’s most valuable AI firms were cited as proof of the sector’s momentum, with valuations reaching historic levels.
OpenAI was highlighted during discussions for reaching a reported valuation of $500 billion, reflecting strong demand from global investors.
Anthropic also drew attention after reportedly doubling its valuation within months to around $350 billion.
The rapid rise in valuations has fuelled fears of speculative excess similar to previous technology bubbles.
Orlando Bravo, co-founder of Thoma Bravo, pointed to growing fear of missing out among funds chasing AI opportunities.
Funds are rushing to any AI story.
Orlando Bravo said.
Investors are committing large amounts of capital to early-stage and unproven AI projects in an effort to secure future market dominance.