The OpenAI mafia: 15 of the most notable startups founded by alumni

image via TechCrunch

April 26, 2025, 2:00 PM

• •OpenAI alumni are launching numerous AI startups, including Anthropic, Safe Superintelligence, Thinking Machines Lab, and Perplexity.
• •These startups are attracting significant funding, with some raising billions despite lacking launched products.
• •Other OpenAI-related ventures include xAI, Living Carbon, Prosper Robotics, and Daedalus, spanning AI search, carbon capture, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.

A new wave of tech entrepreneurs, dubbed the "OpenAI mafia," is emerging from the AI giant, launching numerous startups and attracting billions in funding. These ventures, founded by former OpenAI employees, span various sectors, from AI search and safety to robotics and environmental technology. Despite some lacking launched products, they have secured significant investments, indicating a high level of investor confidence and the potential for disruption in the tech landscape. The OpenAI ecosystem now includes companies like Anthropic, xAI, and Perplexity, showcasing a diverse range of projects and rivalries within the rapidly evolving AI industry.

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