As COO of OpenAI and manager of the OpenAI Startup Fund, Brad Lightcap gives portfolio companies direct access to OpenAI's models, product teams, and distribution channels, positioning startups as extensions of the OpenAI ecosystem rather than standalone investments. He focuses on backing founders who are reimagining workflows from first principles with AI at the center, rather than simply adding AI features to existing products, while emphasizing hands-on support with go-to-market strategy, hiring, and scaling distribution. As COO of OpenAI and manager of the OpenAI Startup Fund, Brad Lightcap gives portfolio companies direct access to OpenAI's models, product teams, and distribution channels, positioning startups as extensions of the OpenAI ecosystem rather than standalone investments. He focuses on backing founders who are reimagining workflows from first principles with AI at the center, rather than simply adding AI features to existing products, while emphasizing hands-on support with go-to-market strategy, hiring, and scaling distribution.