Former OpenAI Employee Launches Worktrace AI Startup with Mira Murati Backing

Former OpenAI product manager Angela Jiang has quietly launched a new artificial intelligence startup called Worktrace AI, with significant backing from former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati and other key figures from the ChatGPT creator. The stealth startup was in talks this summer to raise $10 million at a $50 million valuation, positioning it among the latest highly-valued AI ventures emerging from OpenAI alumni.

Worktrace AI’s Mission and Technology

Worktrace AI focuses on helping large enterprises identify and automate repetitive tasks by observing employee workflows. According to the company’s website, the technology represents the growing trend in Silicon Valley toward AI systems that can learn and replicate human tasks. This approach mirrors recent developments at OpenAI, which last month announced new methods to measure model performance on real-world tasks like writing legal briefs.

The startup’s technology aims to streamline business operations through intelligent automation, potentially transforming how enterprises manage routine workflows. This focus on practical AI implementation distinguishes Worktrace AI from more theoretical AI research projects.

Elite OpenAI Backing and Funding Details

Worktrace AI has attracted investment from a veritable who’s who of OpenAI leadership, demonstrating strong confidence in the startup’s potential. Key backers include:

Mira Murati – Former OpenAI CTO and founder of Thinking Machines Lab
Nick Turley – Head of ChatGPT at OpenAI
Jason Kwon – OpenAI’s chief strategy officer
Joanne Jang – Leader of the team that shaped ChatGPT’s behavior

According to job postings, the startup is also funded by OpenAI’s startup fund alongside venture capital firms 8VC and Conviction. The $10 million seed round at a $50 million valuation, if completed, would provide substantial resources for Worktrace AI’s development and market expansion.

Founder’s OpenAI Legacy and Experience

Angela Jiang brings significant credentials to her new venture, having served as OpenAI’s third product manager and playing a crucial role in launching the models behind ChatGPT. Her involvement included working on the version that went viral in late 2022, establishing her as a key figure in ChatGPT’s development story.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Jiang later contributed to OpenAI’s public policy team before departing the company in December 2024. Her comprehensive experience spanning both technical product development and policy considerations positions her uniquely to navigate the complex landscape of enterprise AI implementation.

Growing Trend of OpenAI Spin-offs

Worktrace AI represents the latest in a wave of highly-valued AI startups founded by former OpenAI employees, many securing substantial funding before product launch or revenue generation. This trend highlights the growing ecosystem of AI innovation emerging from OpenAI’s talent pool.

Recent examples include Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab, which closed a massive $2 billion seed round this year and now boasts a $12 billion valuation. Meanwhile, Safe Superintelligence, founded by former OpenAI chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, has achieved a remarkable $32 billion valuation according to Financial Times reporting.

Last month, Periodic Labs, co-founded by ChatGPT researcher William Fedus, raised $300 million to develop “AI scientists,” further demonstrating the market appetite for OpenAI-alumni ventures. For additional coverage of emerging technology trends, see our analysis of defense technology developments.

Stealth Launch Strategy and Market Position

Despite having an active website and LinkedIn presence, Worktrace AI has maintained a low-profile approach, making no public announcements about its launch. Jiang declined to comment for this story, while her cofounder Deepak Vasisht, an assistant professor at the University of Illinois, did not respond to requests for comment.

This stealth strategy contrasts with the significant attention and funding the startup has attracted from prominent AI investors. The approach may reflect a focused development period before broader market engagement, similar to patterns seen in other technical AI ventures. Related analysis of product development challenges can be found in our coverage of iterative design processes.

The emergence of Worktrace AI comes amid increasing global attention on AI development and regulation. For perspective on international technology dynamics, see our report on technology security considerations.

References

The AI revolution has ignited an unprecedented tech boom in San Francisco, with OpenAI reaching $500 billion valuation and SF Tech Week hosting over 1,500 events. Founders and investors celebrate the city’s remarkable comeback as artificial intelligence drives massive funding rounds and startup activity.

San Francisco’s artificial intelligence boom shows no signs of slowing down, with OpenAI reaching a staggering $500 billion valuation and investor enthusiasm reaching fever pitch during the city’s massive Tech Week celebration. The AI gold rush has transformed San Francisco into the epicenter of technological innovation, with founders and venture capitalists flocking to over 1,500 events showcasing the next wave of AI-powered startups.