Alumni Ventures Launches AI First Fund to Invest in AI-Native Startups

New fund targets generational AI opportunities with a distinctive approach backed by industry veterans

Alumni Ventures, one of the world’s most active venture capital firms, announced the launch of the AI First Fund, designed to capture opportunities arising from the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence. The fund focuses on AI-native startups built from inception around language models, autonomous agents, and proprietary data, promising groundbreaking innovations and new business models.

“We’re at an inflection point similar to the internet in the 1990s and mobile in the 2000s,” said Mike Collins, Founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures. “AI-first companies represent a generational opportunity for investors. We’re not retrofitting existing models—we’re supporting bold founders who are reshaping industries from day one.”

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The AI First Fund targets four primary themes:

• AI First Work: Enhancing productivity with generative copilots and autonomous AI agents.
• AI First Discovery: Accelerating scientific breakthroughs through AI-powered virtual simulations and digital twins.
• AI First Industry: Integrating vertical-specific AI to transform client-facing and operational workflows.
• AI First Infrastructure: Building essential components for the AI economy, including hardware and software infrastructures.

“History often echoes through each wave of innovation,” said Ray Wu, Managing Partner at Alumni Ventures. “Having participated in previous technology revolutions, it’s clear the AI era will deliver significant, transformative outcomes. Our strategy leverages proprietary deal flow, full-stack startup support, and partnerships with leading co-investors to identify and nurture AI-native companies poised for success.”

Alumni Ventures’ distinctive approach includes tapping an extensive alumni network of PhDs, experienced founders, and accelerator graduates to discover AI talent early. The firm also provides startups with comprehensive support, from go-to-market strategies and community access to strategic partnerships with leading venture firms such as Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst, and NEA.

The AI First Fund builds on Alumni Ventures’ proven track record, highlighted by investments in notable AI startups like Lambda Labs, Cohere, Patlytics, and Precision Neuroscience, underscoring the firm’s commitment and expertise in the AI domain.

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