OpenAI Backed Startup Fund Pulls $15M In New Funding

As a researcher with a background in venture capital and startup funding, I find the developments surrounding OpenAI Startup Fund quite intriguing. The recent $15 million funding round secured through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) is an interesting approach that allows for pooling resources from multiple investors to make tangible investments in one company or fund. This strategy is particularly useful for startups that do not fit the investment criteria of traditional funds or do not align with their terms.


OpenAI’s affiliated startup, known as OpenAI Startup Fund, has raised $15 million through a recent investment round. Despite being connected to OpenAI, the operational aspects of the two entities are distinct.

OpenAI Startup Fund Taps Funding Through SPV

The SEC filing revealed that fresh funds were obtained around April 19th. Yet, the necessary documentation was only submitted for review on April 25th.

Two unnamed investors successfully secured a $15 million investment. While Ian Hathaway, OpenAI Startup Fund’s manager and sole partner, was briefly mentioned in the documentation.

To make it easier for funds to be consolidated, OpenAI Startup Fund SPV II, L.P., also known as the special purpose vehicle (SPV), was established to hold all the capital. This is the second instance where OpenAI has utilized an SPV to raise funds. Previously, $10 million were collected through this method. Typically, investors pooling their resources via an SPV can then invest in a single company or fund as a collective.

In the venture capital sector, startups that don’t match a specific investment fund’s strategic focus or fail to comply with its terms are often prioritized by Senior Venture Partners (SVPs). However, SVPs also have the ability to attract a larger pool of non-institutional investors beyond the fund’s reach.

Sam Altman To Focus on OpenAI and Worldcoin 

It appears that OpenAI and the Startup Fund have distinct legal identities. however, last year, the Startup Fund came under intense scrutiny when it was uncovered that Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, had held significant control over the fund’s capital raising since its inception. Notably, this included securing investments from major backers like Microsoft – a key partner and investor in OpenAI.

As a crypto investor, I can tell you that Altman’s involvement in the fund expanded significantly when he gained ultimate decision-making authority over its investments, despite neither him nor OpenAI holding any financial stake in the Startup Fund. A few weeks ago, I observed Altman making a bold move by officially handing over control to Hathaway, who was once an investor with Haystack.

As a crypto investor, I’m following Altman closely as he dedicates his time and efforts to OpenAI and Worldcoin projects. Both companies are exploring potential collaborations, with Worldcoin specifically aiming to expand its reach and strengthen its market presence through strategic partnerships like this one.

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2024-04-27 02:44