OPENAI
OpenAI alumni are putting money into AI
A group of former OpenAI employees has launched a new VC fund called Zero Shot, with a target of $100 million.
The team said it has already closed its first $20 million and started making investments.
The fund was founded by OpenAI alumni Evan Morikawa, Andrew Mayne, and Shawn Jain, alongside investor Kelly Kovacs and Brett Rounsaville.
According to the team, they kept getting asked for advice by founders and investors after leaving OpenAI, which led them to spot a gap between the AI startups getting funded and the products the market actually needs.
Zero Shot has already backed a few startups, including Worktrace AI, which helps companies figure out what tasks should be automated, and Foundry Robotics, which is building AI-powered factory robots.
It has also invested in a third startup that is still in stealth.
Here’s what you should know:
Zero Shot is a new AI-focused VC fund started by former OpenAI staff
It has already closed $20 million toward its $100 million target
The team says its background helps it spot both strong startups and overhyped trends
Built not buzzed
The founders say their AI experience also helps them avoid overhyped areas.
Mayne is cautious about many vibe coding startups, saying model makers may soon make those tools less necessary.
Morikawa is also sceptical of some robotics data companies, arguing the tech they rely on is still too early.
Mayne also said many digital twin startups may not have a strong enough edge over standard AI models.
Zero Shot has also brought in advisers with OpenAI ties, including former people lead Diane Yoon, former communications head Steve Dowling, and former product leader Luke Miller.
I’m also raising $100M, stick your checks in the mail to me - MV