Bret Taylor, chair of the OpenAI board, expressed his views on the current state of the artificial intelligence sector during a discussion on September 14, 2025. He likened the current AI boom to the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s. He pointed to the promise of creating transformative economic value, but cautioned about the dangers and pitfalls that lurk.
In his keynote address, Taylor acknowledged that almost everyone got rich off the dot-com bubble. He noted that many of them met their demise when the bubble burst. He emphasized that “all the people in 1999 were kind of right,” suggesting that the initial optimism surrounding the internet’s potential was well-founded, even if it led to unsustainable investments for some.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Taylor’s assessment is in line with Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, on this issue. On the AI bubble, he offered a sober counterpoint. Altman remarked, “someone is going to lose a phenomenal amount of money in AI,” reflecting concerns about potential financial pitfalls within the sector.
Even though she admitted that the industry is in a bubble, Taylor failed to send a panic button signal. As he put it, “I think AI is going to bring so much positive change to the economy. Similar to the internet, it will create tremendous economic value going forward. I believe we’re equally in a bubble, and most of the people involved are going to lose a shitload of money.” His comments underline a dual perspective on the situation: recognizing both the immense potential of AI technology and the likelihood of substantial financial losses.
Investors have been lined up around the block—virtually speaking, at least—to pump billions of dollars in new capital into AI startups. They are attracted by the expectation of revolutionary innovations. The excitement surrounding AI echoes the fervor seen during the late ’90s, when numerous internet companies emerged with grand visions for transforming business and society.
As Taylor and Altman share their insights, industry stakeholders remain engaged in discussions about managing the risks associated with rapid technological advancements. Their perspectives further open the door to critical dialogue on what sustainability and responsible investment in AI should look like.
