A group of former OpenAI employees has launched Zero Shot, a new venture capital firm with a $100 million target. The fund aims to invest in startups applying artificial intelligence to real-world physical systems. This move highlights a growing trend of AI pioneers transitioning from building foundational models to funding their practical applications.
A New Fund with Deep AI Roots
Zero Shot is co-founded by OpenAI veterans Evan Morikawa, Andrew Mayne, and Shawn Jain, who were integral to projects like ChatGPT. They are joined by seasoned VC Kelly Kovacs and operations expert Brett Rounsaville. The team's formation was a natural progression from advising founders and other venture firms on emerging AI technology.
The partners initiated the fund after identifying significant gaps between market needs and the startups receiving funding. After securing an initial $20 million from institutions and family offices, they are now targeting a total of $100 million. The firm is further strengthened by an advisory board of former OpenAI leaders in communications, product, and personnel.
Strategic Focus on Physical AI
The firm's name, "Zero Shot," references an AI capability to perform tasks without specific prior training. This concept reflects the fund's core thesis of backing ventures in "physical AI," where models enable robots to handle unfamiliar commands. The goal is to move beyond pure software and into tangible, real-world automation.
This strategic shift from "bits to atoms" addresses a crowded software AI landscape and targets complex, hands-on work. The founders believe progress in this area can accelerate automation in capital-intensive sectors like manufacturing and construction. New business models, such as Robotics-as-a-Service, will be crucial for overcoming high hardware costs for customers.
An Insider's Investment Strategy
Leveraging their deep network, Zero Shot has already made several investments, including in Worktrace AI and Foundry Robotics. Worktrace AI, founded by a former OpenAI product manager, develops software to identify and automate enterprise tasks. Foundry Robotics is focused on creating next-generation, AI-enhanced robotics for factory settings, with a third investment remaining in stealth.
The team's insider perspective also informs which trends to avoid, providing a distinct advantage over traditional VCs. They are skeptical of most "vibe coding" platforms and certain robotics data companies, believing large model makers will soon render them obsolete. This predictive insight into AI's trajectory is central to their investment selection process and risk mitigation.
The launch of Zero Shot marks a significant development in the AI investment landscape, driven by those who built the foundational technology. By focusing on tangible applications in robotics and automation, the firm is poised to shape the next industrial revolution. Their insider knowledge and strategic foresight will be critical in identifying and nurturing the companies that successfully bridge digital intelligence with the physical world.