The OpenAI Startup Fund functions as a corporate venture capital unit, raising capital from external limited partners, including Microsoft. The fund has backed at least 16 other startups, including Harvey, Ambiance Healthcare, Figure AI, and Ghost Autonomy. Despite functioning as a corporate venture capital unit, the fund raises capital from external limited partners, including Microsoft, a close OpenAI partner and investor.
Key takeaways:
- The OpenAI Startup Fund, which invests in early-stage AI companies, has closed on an additional $5 million according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
- The fresh funds were raised from two investors who transferred the capital into a special purpose vehicle, a legal entity associated with the OpenAI Startup Fund: OpenAI Startup Fund SPV III, L.P.
- This is the third time the OpenAI Startup Fund has raised an SPV, with the previous one raising $15 million last month.
- The Startup Fund has backed at least 16 other startups, including Harvey, Ambiance Healthcare, Figure AI, and Ghost Autonomy.