OpenAI Alumni Launch $100M Zero Shot Fund to Back AI Startups

A new venture capital fund with deep ties to OpenAI has made its first close on a $100 million goal. The fund, called Zero Shot, is led by several OpenAI veterans who helped build the products that defined the AI boom.

Who's Behind Zero Shot

The founding team includes Evan Morikawa (former head of applied engineering who led the launches of DALL·E, ChatGPT, and Codex), Andrew Mayne (OpenAI's original prompt engineer and host of The OpenAI podcast), Shawn Jain (former OpenAI researcher and founder of Synthefy), Kelly Kovacs (formerly of 01A growth-stage venture firm), and Brett Rounsaville (formerly of Twitter and Disney).

Why It Matters

The partners saw "gaping holes" between what AI startups were being funded to build and what the market actually needed. Having worked at OpenAI through its wildest growth years, they believe they have a unique vantage point on where AI is headed next.

This represents a growing trend of operator-investors in AI — people who built the foundational technology now backing the next wave of innovation.

Key Takeaways

• Zero Shot targets $100M to invest in early-stage AI startups
• Founded by three former OpenAI leaders plus two experienced operators
• Already writing checks to portfolio companies
• Focus on gaps between funded startups and real market needs

FAQ

What is Zero Shot Ventures? A $100M VC fund founded by former OpenAI engineers to invest in early-stage AI startups.

Why does this fund matter? The founders have unique insider knowledge of AI technology and market direction from their years at OpenAI.

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