OpenAI’s Converge2 accelerator program has attracted widespread attention for its mysterious operation. Unlike previous accelerator programs that were open and transparent, Converge2 has maintained a high profile, not disclosing any investment company information, and even refusing to respond to outside inquiries. This is in sharp contrast to the public operation of Converge1, which has triggered many speculations about the reasons behind OpenAI’s move. This article will delve into the mystery of the Converge2 plan, analyze its operating model, investment trends and potential benefits for participants, trying to unravel this mystery.
Have you heard of OpenAI's Converge2 accelerator program? In December last year, OpenAI announced that it would open the second batch of applications for the six-week accelerator program to be launched in 2022, but then it was like nothing happened, and there was no news.
However, techcrunch reported that insiders revealed that Converge2 does exist and has carried out some actions, and the Open AI Startup Fund has also invested in some startups.
A “low-key” way of operating
This accelerator program is a far cry from the usual tech industry hype. Typically, accelerators announce accepted or graduated startups, and after all the investment, they have good reason to boost those companies' chances of success through public recognition. But Converge2 is an exception. It has remained silent and allowed the outside world to speculate.
The silence of Converge2 is in stark contrast to Converge1. Converge1 publicly announced its first four investments in early 2023 in typical accelerator fashion. But when it comes to Converge2, OpenAI has not issued any press releases about the companies that have received investment, and even after multiple requests for comment, it has refused to confirm whether the plan is proceeding.
The reason behind this silence remains a mystery. Although Converge1’s communication is also quite low-key, the companies involved, such as Cursor.AI, are gradually being revealed.
From the beginning of 2023 to today, as OpenAI seeks a new round of financing with a valuation of up to US$100 billion, the world has paid more and more attention to it. During this time, the fund even changed owners, with Sam Altman being replaced by another venture capitalist, Ian Hathaway.
However, the fund's activities have not been affected. Since January, the fund has invested in new companies such as AI chatbot Heeyo, health company Thrive AI Health, AI chatbot New Computer, and Ambience Healthcare, which creates AI assistants for medical organizations. At least two companies, according to sources, are involved in the Converge project, although they would not identify them for fear of upsetting OpenAI.
As for the situation within the plan, information is even scarcer. A source familiar with the matter told us that the main benefit is access to OpenAI's researchers and unreleased model technology. This exposure may lead to the perception that these companies are bound by strict NDAs, as Vox recently reported that OpenAI likes to use this tool on its employees.
**Emphasis added:**
- ?️♂️ **Mysterious Accelerator**: The mystery of the Converge2 plan, why remain silent?
- ? **Funding Updates**: Open AI Startup Fund’s investment trends and newly added companies.
- **Technology Access**: What unreleased technologies from OpenAI will participants have access to?
All in all, OpenAI’s Converge2 accelerator program has attracted widespread attention and speculation in the industry due to its high confidentiality. Although the details are still unclear, behind the veil of mystery may be hidden OpenAI’s deep considerations in AI development strategy, as well as its unique strategy of keeping technology confidential and commercial competition. In the future, the direction of the Converge2 plan and the disclosure of more information deserve continued attention.