A new venture capital fund named Zero Shot, established by former OpenAI personnel, has made its first close on a target of $100 million and has begun actively investing in early-stage artificial intelligence startups.

Zero Shot, a new AI investment fund, signals a trend of deeply technical operators from premier AI labs transitioning into capital allocation. Its partners, with direct experience inside one of the world's most influential AI companies, leverage their network and insights to identify and support nascent AI-native companies. This shift from building to funding underscores the AI sector's maturation, making specialized, operator-led funds crucial for navigating its complex, evolving frontier.

What We Know So Far

  • A new venture capital firm, Zero Shot, has been established with deep ties to the artificial intelligence research lab OpenAI.
  • The fund has a stated goal of raising $100 million for its first fund, according to multiple reports.
  • Zero Shot has successfully completed its first close, securing an initial $20 million in capital, as reported by TechCrunch and news.aibase.com.
  • The firm's investment thesis is centered on backing early-stage startups that are building foundational or application-level AI technologies.
  • According to a report from TechCrunch, Zero Shot has already deployed capital, investing in at least two companies: Worktrace AI and Foundry Robotics.

Who Founded the New Venture Capital Fund From Former OpenAI?

Zero Shot's co-founding team consists of Evan Morikawa, Andrew Mayne, and Shawn Jain, all with direct operational experience at OpenAI, according to TechCrunch. This background provides the firm with a unique perspective on AI talent and technology, offering an intimate understanding of the technical challenges and market opportunities emerging AI companies face.

Founders often prefer operator-investors with firsthand experience building and scaling products, a model increasingly prevalent in specialized venture capital. Zero Shot's team pedigree suggests they can not only evaluate complex technology but also provide meaningful guidance to founders, navigating technical hurdles and recruiting specialized talent from a limited expert pool.