Despite the silence around Converge 2, the OpenAI Startup Fund has continued to invest in new companies, including AI chatbot Heeyo, wellness company Thrive AI Health, AI chatbot New Computer, and Ambience Healthcare. At least two of these companies are said to have participated in a Converge program. The main benefit of the program is reportedly access to OpenAI’s researchers and unreleased model technology, which has led to speculation that the companies are bound by strict non-disclosure agreements.
Key takeaways:
- OpenAI's second cohort of the Converge 2 startup accelerator program did take place, despite the company's silence on the matter, according to two sources familiar with the program.
- Unlike the first program, Converge 2 did not publicly announce the startups that were accepted or graduated, leading to speculation and confusion in the tech industry.
- OpenAI Startup Fund has funded startups in the Converge 2 cohort, but the company has refused to confirm the program's existence or the companies that received investments.
- Despite the change in ownership from Sam Altman to Ian Hathaway, the fund has continued to invest in new companies, including AI chatbot Heeyo, wellness company Thrive AI Health, AI chatbot New Computer, and Ambience Healthcare.