Profitable Autonomous Agents will be in Focus Through 2025

Autonomous agents and a focus on profitability are poised to take center stage in the artificial intelligence industry next year, according to insights from business executives and researchers gathered at the Reuters NEXT conference in New York.

Key Takeaways from the press release:

• AI agents to assist with daily tasks, says OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar
• AGI expected in shorter term, not a decade away, Friar predicts
• 2025 seen as AI profitability year, says venture capitalist Molly Alter

The Rise of Autonomous Agents

Autonomous agents—AI systems capable of performing tasks like making purchases and scheduling meetings without human intervention—are getting closer to reality. This is thanks to recent developments in step-by-step reasoning approaches, similar to OpenAI’s advancements. OpenAI’s CFO, Sarah Friar, emphasized the rapid progression of this technology, suggesting 2025 will witness significant developments in agents designed to assist with daily tasks.

Friar also predicted the advent of artificial general intelligence (AGI) in the near future, stating, “I don’t believe it’s a decade away.”

A New Age of Profitability

Venture capitalists see 2025 as the year AI will enhance profitability. Molly Alter from Northzone highlighted a shift from revenue growth to improving profit margins by leveraging AI. George Mathew from Insight Partners shared how AI’s reasoning capabilities are already enhancing processes, such as through companies like Relevance AI, which offers cost-effective digital sales teams.

AI Integration Beyond Startups

Major corporations, including banks like BNY, are moving beyond experimental phases to integrate AI into everyday workflows. CEO Robin Vince disclosed that thousands of employees are now equipped to use AI-powered tools to increase efficiency and offer insights historically difficult to obtain.

Empowering Knowledge Workers with AI

Generative AI and large language models (LLMs) are transforming how business processes are built and managed. By enabling subject matter experts to design complex workflows independently, AI is democratizing development, reducing dependency on programmers. This advancement means knowledge workers will increasingly need well-defined, documented processes—skills critical for maximizing AI’s potential.

Business leaders are beginning to understand how autonomous agents can positively impact their bottom lines, which will accelerate AI-driven business transformations.

For more details, read the full press release