The OpenAI mafia: 18 startups founded by alumni

The article highlights a growing "OpenAI mafia" in Silicon Valley, referring to a network of startups founded by former OpenAI employees who have launched influential AI companies since leaving the organization. OpenAI, known for developing ChatGPT and currently negotiating a massive $100 billion deal valuing it at over $850 billion, has seen many alumni start their own ventures, some becoming major competitors like Anthropic, while others have raised significant funding without yet releasing products. This emerging ecosystem is attracting investor interest, with former OpenAI staff and founders becoming investors themselves to tap into this innovative network. Several notable startups founded by OpenAI alumni are profiled. Anthropic, founded by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, is a leading rival focused on safe artificial general intelligence (AGI) and is preparing for an IPO. Adept AI Labs, co-founded by former OpenAI VP David Luan, builds AI tools for employees and reached a $1 billion valuation. Applied Compute, started by three ex-