Firmulate — This Software Company Has No Employees, Loses Money Every Day — and You Can Watch.
Live on firmulate.com.

What if you could watch a company’s every move, every decision, and every risk — in real time?

Imagine a business that operates without employees, yet faces the same crises and temptations as any traditional firm. Now, combine that with a public experiment where every decision is open, auditable, and tested against AI models designed to run it — this is the story of Firmulate’s radical live portrait.

AI Builders: Making The Decisions That Turn AI Code Into Real Software

AI Builders: Making The Decisions That Turn AI Code Into Real Software

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

The Unprecedented Experiment in Business Transparency

At the heart of this story is a small, virtual software company run by 13 synthetic employees. But unlike typical startups, this firm is an open laboratory, openly battling financial strain and operational crises every single day. The company burns through €105,000 monthly — yet generates only €2,300 in recurring revenue. Its cash countdown is public, and every decision is versioned and recorded, creating a real-time window into how AI manages business complexity.

What makes this project extraordinary is that four leading AI models — each with different capabilities and rules — are tested against the same set of challenges. These models, including the top-scoring GPT-5.6, are given identical crises: customer complaints, internal decisions, and even social engineering tricks. Every move they make is logged, and their ability to spot problems, avoid manipulation, and close deals is assessed objectively.

Business Analytics: Data Analysis & Decision Making (MindTap Course List)

Business Analytics: Data Analysis & Decision Making (MindTap Course List)

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

The Results Are Eye-Opening

In the final showdown, all four models successfully identified every crisis and refused manipulation attempts, demonstrating an impressive grasp of risks and ethics. But only two managed to close a real deal, signing a €55,000 contract based solely on their own analysis and pitch — a feat that the other two models failed to execute, leaving opportunities unclaimed.

Interestingly, the decisive advantage for the winning models lay in an unnoticed detail buried deep in the company’s files — a piece of critical information that, once read, sealed the deal at full price, adding over €4,500 in monthly recurring revenue. This underscores the importance of thorough data analysis and reading comprehension, even in AI decision-making.

Generative AI Security: Theories and Practices (Future of Business and Finance)

Generative AI Security: Theories and Practices (Future of Business and Finance)

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

The Human-Like Challenge of Social Engineering

To test ethical resilience, the experiment included staged social engineering efforts — fake CEO messages escalating through stages, and a reporter’s subtle trick. All five models refused to bypass security or impersonate authority, citing suspicion and safety protocols. This demonstrates that well-designed AI can be trusted to uphold integrity, even under social pressure.

XTOOL AD20 Pro OBD2 Scanner - No Subscription, Full System Car Diagnostic Scan Tool with AI Analysis, Wireless OBD Car Code Reader, Oil Reset, Performance Test, Voltage Test

XTOOL AD20 Pro OBD2 Scanner – No Subscription, Full System Car Diagnostic Scan Tool with AI Analysis, Wireless OBD Car Code Reader, Oil Reset, Performance Test, Voltage Test

【NO Subscriptions & Wide Vehicle Support】 AD20PRO obd2 scanner diagnostic tool is built for simple, long-term ownership with…

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

Why Does This Matter to Arts, Crafts & Culture?

For creatives and cultural organizations, this experiment offers a mirror: it reveals how AI can be a transparent, disciplined partner in managing complex decisions. Whether you’re running a gallery, a craft coop, or a cultural project, understanding how AI handles crises, ethical dilemmas, and data analysis can help you integrate these tools responsibly and ethically.

Moreover, the live experiment is ongoing. You can watch the company’s daily struggles and AI responses unfold at firmulate.com/live.html. It’s a front-row seat to the future of transparent AI management — a new kind of open lab where every move counts and every decision is exposed for scrutiny.

Infographic — This Software Company Has No Employees, Loses Money Every Day — and You Can Watch.
The findings at a glance — source: firmulate.com.

The Big Takeaway

This live experiment shows that AI can handle complex, high-pressure business scenarios with integrity and discipline. The key is transparency — knowing that every decision, every mistake, and every success is open for review. For those working in arts, crafts, and cultural sectors, it’s a glimpse into how AI can be a trustworthy partner, helping to manage your projects with honesty and precision.

Watch it live: firmulate.com/live · Full results: firmulate.com/benchmarks.html

Powered by Thorsten Meyer AI


You May Also Like

What Great Teams Understand About Accessible Forms

Inevitably, understanding accessible forms unlocks inclusive digital experiences that engage all users—discover how to elevate your team’s design practices today.

The Role of ARIA Labels in Web Accessibility

Web accessibility is enhanced by ARIA labels, but understanding their full impact requires exploring best practices for implementation.

How to Make Keyboard Navigation Work in Real Projects

By mastering focus management and accessibility best practices, you can ensure seamless keyboard navigation—discover how to create truly inclusive interfaces.

Accessibility Testing: Manual Vs Automated

Comparing manual and automated accessibility testing reveals key strengths and limitations, but understanding how to balance both approaches is essential for comprehensive results.