Enterprise AI’s Upheaval Drives Crypto’s Push into Private Markets

C3 AI (AI), a provider of enterprise artificial intelligence software, is reportedly considering a possible sale following the resignation of founder Thomas Siebel as CEO due to health concerns, which led to a 6% jump in its share price, as reported by a

. The company’s market capitalization has dropped sharply from its 2021 high of over $5 billion to $2.15 billion, and it is under increasing financial strain, including a net loss of $116.8 million in the first quarter of its fiscal year and a 54% drop in stock price so far this year, according to a . With Stephen Ehikian, formerly of Salesforce, now at the helm, C3 AI is evaluating strategic options such as raising private funds, amid waning investor trust, as stated in a .

This leadership change comes as Siebel transitions to executive chairman, citing an autoimmune condition that has caused "significant visual impairment." Siebel, who previously established Siebel Systems—later acquired by Oracle for $5.85 billion in 2005—has left

at a pivotal moment. The board features prominent members such as former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Bruce Sewell, Apple's former general counsel, who could play key roles in any negotiations, according to the . Despite these headwinds, C3 AI continues to serve major clients like Shell, the U.S. Air Force, and other organizations in the defense and energy industries, making it a potential acquisition target for large defense contractors or enterprise software companies, as mentioned in the .