BREAKING: Angela Jiang, a former product manager at OpenAI, has officially launched her new startup, Worktrace AI, with significant backing from notable figures in the AI industry, including Mira Murati, ex-CTO of OpenAI. The startup is positioned to revolutionize the way businesses automate repetitive tasks by leveraging advanced AI technologies.
Worktrace AI is reportedly in discussions to raise $10 million at a valuation of $50 million, according to internal communications seen by Business Insider. This funding round is pivotal as it highlights the growing interest and investment in AI solutions that streamline operations for large enterprises.
Jiang, who played a crucial role in the development of ChatGPT, has created a platform that aims to observe and automate mundane tasks within organizations, aligning with a broader trend in Silicon Valley focusing on AI’s capacity to mimic human work. This launch coincides with OpenAI’s recent announcement of new performance measurement methods for its AI models, emphasizing the real-world applicability of AI technologies.
The startup is backed by a notable roster of OpenAI alumni, including Nick Turley, head of ChatGPT, and Jason Kwon, OpenAI’s chief strategy officer, among others. Notably, Worktrace AI is also supported by OpenAI’s startup fund along with venture capital firms 8VC and Conviction.
Despite its potential, Worktrace AI has maintained a low profile since its inception, lacking public announcements about its services. Jiang, who departed from OpenAI in December 2024, previously contributed to launching the model that gained significant popularity in late 2022.
This launch reflects a broader phenomenon where former OpenAI employees are establishing high-valuation startups, often securing substantial funding before product launches. For instance, Murati’s own startup, Thinking Machines Lab, successfully closed a staggering $2 billion seed funding round this year, reaching a valuation of $12 billion.
Additionally, Safe Superintelligence, founded by former OpenAI chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, boasts a valuation of $32 billion, while Periodic Labs, co-founded by another ex-OpenAI researcher, raised $300 million to develop “AI scientists.”
As the AI landscape rapidly evolves, the launch of Worktrace AI and the influx of funding for startups led by former OpenAI talent underscore a significant shift in the industry. Investors and businesses alike are keenly watching these developments, anticipating how these innovations will reshape operational efficiencies across various sectors.
Stay tuned for more updates on Worktrace AI’s progress and its impact on the AI market.