C3.ai Founder Sells $7.6 Million in Stock as Enterprise AI Sector Evolves

C3.ai founder Thomas Siebel sold over $7.6 million in company stock in mid-December 2025 through a pre-arranged trading plan. The shares were part of a larger strategy by the billionaire tech entrepreneur to manage his holdings after a challenging year for the enterprise AI company. Siebel, who also sold Siebel Systems to Oracle for $5.8 billion, is one of the key figures in C3.ai's journey.

The stock price for C3.ai has declined more than 50% since 2024, reaching a current price of $13.73 as of January 8, 2026, down from its 52-week high of $35.98. Despite a recent quarterly earnings report showing some stabilization, the company has struggled to maintain investor confidence amid fierce competition and shifting enterprise adoption patterns.

Siebel stepped down as CEO in September 2025, transitioning to executive chairman, while Stephen Ehikian took the helm. The leadership change coincided with a period of financial adjustments, including a reported $75.1 million in Q2 revenue.

Why Did This Happen?

According to reports, Siebel's stock sale reflects a broader trend of leadership reassessments and strategic realignments in the AI sector. The company's recent performance suggests it is navigating a complex landscape where enterprise AI is transitioning from experimentation to full deployment. Siebel's move may signal a personal strategy to consolidate gains or hedge against further market volatility.

The sale also occurred in the context of a larger market correction. C3.ai's stock has lost significant value since its peak, and the company faces pressure to maintain growth amid increased competition and macroeconomic headwinds.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Enterprise AI remains a high-growth sector, with applications expanding into energy and environmental sustainability. According to a recent report, the AI in energy and power market is expected to surpass $40 billion by 2034. This growth is driven by the use of machine learning and demand forecasting tools, which are areas where C3.ai could position itself for renewed momentum.

In the broader AI sustainability space, the market is projected to grow from $17.2 billion in 2024 to $100.3 billion by 2034, with a 19.4% CAGR. C3.ai is among the companies listed as a key player in this space.

Investors are now looking to see whether C3.ai can leverage its platform-centric approach to capture a larger share of these growing markets. The company's recent partnership with Microsoft and AWS could be an indicator of its broader strategic direction.

What Is the Market Outlook for C3.ai?

C3.ai's recent Q2 earnings provided some optimism, with revenue rising to $75.1 million and strong performance in the federal government segment. The company's non-GAAP gross margin of 54% also indicates some level of operational efficiency.

However, C3.ai's path forward remains uncertain. The stock is currently trading near its 52-week low of $12.59, and the company is navigating a challenging competitive landscape. Q3 revenue guidance of $72-80 million suggests a cautious outlook, with the company projecting $289.5-309.5 million in full-year revenue.

The market is also watching how AI continues to evolve as a tool for both enterprise operations and environmental sustainability. C3.ai's ability to adapt to these changing dynamics could determine its long-term success.

Investors will closely monitor the company's ability to scale its offerings, maintain profitability, and navigate the broader challenges facing the enterprise AI sector.