Kirsten Green, Founder and Managing Partner of Forerunner Ventures, has highlighted ChatGPT's unprecedented consumer adoption, calling it the fastest consumer launch in history. In a recent social media post, Green stated, > "I don't know that we've ever seen something so readily adopted by consumers. You just look at the ChatGPT numbers, and it's really astounding." Her remarks underscore the rapid growth of the AI chatbot developed by OpenAI.
ChatGPT, launched in November 2022, reached an estimated 100 million monthly active users (MAU) by January 2023, just two months after its public debut. This milestone, reported by a UBS study, established it as the fastest-growing consumer application to date. For comparison, popular platforms like TikTok took approximately nine months to achieve the same user base, while Instagram required over two years.
While Meta's Threads briefly surpassed this record by reaching 100 million users in two days in July 2023, ChatGPT's sustained growth has been notable. As of early 2025, ChatGPT has continued to expand its reach, reportedly accumulating 400 million weekly active users globally. This consistent engagement solidifies its position as a transformative technology.
Kirsten Green, a prominent figure in venture capital, is known for her expertise in consumer investing through Forerunner Ventures, which she founded in 2010. Her firm recently launched a $500 million fund specifically for consumer AI, indicating a strategic focus on the sector that ChatGPT now dominates. Green's observation reflects her deep understanding of market trends and consumer behavior.
The rapid success of ChatGPT has significantly influenced the tech industry, accelerating the focus on artificial intelligence. Microsoft, a key investor in OpenAI, has integrated the technology into its products, further validating its potential. OpenAI has also introduced a subscription service, ChatGPT Plus, to manage the high operational costs associated with the platform's immense user demand.