In a move designed to address concerns over governance, OpenAI has reorganized its internal venture capital fund. The OpenAI Startup Fund, launched in 2021, initially had Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, at the helm. This structure raised eyebrows as it functioned similarly to a corporate venture arm while being financed by external investors and having Altman call the investment shots.
OpenAI has now transferred leadership of the fund to Ian Hathaway, a former investor with Haystack who joined OpenAI in 2021. Altman, according to OpenAI representatives, never had a personal financial stake in the fund and the initial structure was intended as a temporary solution. The fund has seen considerable growth since its inception, boasting a current net asset value of $325 million, up from its initial $175 million in commitments. It has also actively invested in at least 16 early-stage AI-focused startups across various sectors.
The unusual setup of the fund stemmed from OpenAI’s unique character. Established in 2015 with the lofty goal of ensuring the safe development of artificial intelligence, OpenAI is a non-profit research company with backing from heavyweights like Microsoft and philanthropic organizations. Having a traditional corporate venture arm wouldn’t have aligned with OpenAI’s non-profit status. The OpenAI Startup Fund emerged as a solution, allowing the organization to leverage outside capital to nurture promising AI startups while maintaining a certain separation.
However, the optics of Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, controlling a fund that invested in external startups wasn’t ideal. It raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and a lack of transparency. Altman himself faced a brief ouster from his CEO position in November 2023, and the fund’s structure could have become a significant liability during that period.
By relinquishing control of the fund, OpenAI is aiming to strengthen its governance and avoid future conflicts. Ian Hathaway, the new leader of the fund, brings experience in venture capital and a fresh perspective. The move also underscores OpenAI’s commitment to responsible AI development and fostering a healthy ecosystem for startups in the field.
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This article first appeared on The WIRE and is brought to you by Hyphen Digital Network
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