OpenAI Alumni Launch Zero Shot Fund: $100M AI Venture Backing Robotics and Enterprise Startups

A group of former OpenAI employees has quietly launched Zero Shot, a new venture capital fund targeting up to $100 million to invest in promising AI startups.

The fund, named after the AI training technique 'zero-shot,' has already secured its first $20 million close from institutions and family offices.

Founders with Deep OpenAI Roots

Co-founders include Evan Morikawa, ex-head of applied engineering at OpenAI during launches of DALL·E, ChatGPT, and Codex; Andrew Mayne, OpenAI's original prompt engineer and podcast host; and Shawn Jain, former OpenAI researcher turned VC.

They are joined by experienced investors Kelly Kovacs from 01A and Brett Rounsaville from Twitter and Disney.

From OpenAI Insiders to AI Investors

These alumni, friends since their OpenAI days before and after ChatGPT's boom, shifted from consulting on AI tech to forming their own fund after spotting gaps in the market.

Their insider knowledge gives them an edge in predicting AI trends and identifying exceptional builders.

Zero Shot has already deployed capital into select early-stage companies, including Worktrace AI by ex-OpenAI product manager Angela Jiang, which automates enterprise tasks.

Another bet is Foundry Robotics, developing AI-enhanced factory robots, alongside a stealth startup.

Strategic Focus and Skepticism

The team avoids overhyped areas like vibe coding tools, ergo-centric robotics data firms, and most digital twins, relying on deep diligence.

Advisors like former OpenAI execs Diane Yoon, Steve Dowling, and Luke Miller bolster the fund's expertise.

This move underscores the rising influence of AI veterans in venture capital, potentially shaping the next wave of impactful AI innovations.

Looking ahead, Zero Shot aims to bridge funding needs for AI startups that align with rapid model advancements, fostering sustainable growth in robotics and automation.