OpenAI’s startup empire: The companies backed by its venture fund
OpenAI Startup Fund has invested in numerous AI-focused startups since 2021, funded by external investors like Microsoft.

Since its inception in 2021, the OpenAI Startup Fund has gathered $175 million for its core fund and gained an extra $114 million through five distinct special purpose vehicles, aimed at capitalizing on specific opportunities. Unlike many significant tech companies, OpenAI does not use the firm's funds for startup investments. Instead, it raises funds from external investors, including notable partner Microsoft, as described on its fund's site.
The OpenAI Startup Fund, managed by its dedicated team, has invested in over a dozen startups according to multiple data sources. Companies like 1X, Ambience Healthcare, and Anysphere have received investments from the fund. Each investment underscores the fund’s unwavering commitment to nurturing AI technology, evident in ventures like AI medical scribes and AI-powered coding assistants.
Other companies benefiting from the fund include Figure AI, which raised $675 million in February 2024, and the AI-powered personal assistant developer Milo. The investments illustrate the fund's strategic focus on driving AI innovations across diverse industries, including healthcare, robotics, and language learning. The OpenAI Startup Fund continues to pave the way by providing pivotal financial support to revolutionary AI startups.