OpenAI Makes a $60 Million Hardware Startup Bet

Photo by Bloomberg via Getty.

and

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has long been interested in building an AI-powered device for consumers, similar to the one featured in Spike Jonze’s movie “Her.” He’s personally invested in wearable AI pin startup Humane and separately worked with ex-Apple designer Jony Ive on a personal AI device.

Now OpenAI startup's fund, which invests in promising AI startups that are often also users of its conversational AI software, is backing another hardware developer.

The ChatGPT maker is leading a $60 million Series B funding round for Opal, previously known as Opal Camera, according to two people involved in the deal. Opal, backed by YouTuber Casey Neistat and TikTok siblings Charli and Dixie D’Amelio, historically has made webcams. Existing investors including Founders Fund and Kindred Ventures are expected to participate in the funding round as well, the people said.

OpenAI’s involvement in the funding round is surprising. Opal is best known for its $300 professional-grade webcams—not an obvious match for a large language model developer.