Over 200 former employees of Google DeepMind have left the organization to start their own startups in various fields, such as AI, cryptocurrency, biotechnology, and climate tech. These former employees have also raised millions of dollars in funding for their ventures, with some operating in stealth mode. The success of these employees outside of DeepMind can be attributed to the support and guidance they receive from the organization’s executive team, who are active angel investors in AI startups.
Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind, has invested in over ten AI startups, while co-founder Demis Hassabis has invested in three. DeepMind’s head of product, Mehdi Ghissassi, has also invested in a startup founded by a former employee. These investments not only provide financial support but also offer valuable expertise gained from working in the research field.
Many of the startups founded by DeepMind employees operate in stealth mode, keeping their products and details secret from the public and competitors. This allows them to build a substantial head start and assess the competition before revealing their innovations to the world. It also allows founders to experiment with their products without external pressure.
Former employees of DeepMind have ventured into various industries, including energy, climate, and societal issues. Some are working on nuclear fusion and fission startups to explore renewable sources of energy, while others are focused on using AI to combat climate change. There are also startups addressing societal problems, such as improving STEM education in Africa. Additionally, former DeepMind employees have entered the cryptocurrency market by developing AI applications for Web3 and blockchain.
The diverse domains these employees have entered indicate their exploration of potential leading industries. With their extensive experience at DeepMind, coupled with the support of investors and their own entrepreneurial skills, the future looks promising for these startups and industries alike.