Sam Altman is quietly backing a stealth startup that's building software for robots and cars

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has invested in Alfred, a stealth startup focused on AI-driven software for robots and autonomous vehicles, through his venture firm Hydrazine Capital. The company was founded nine months ago by Ankit Ukil, a former Tesla designer, and Dömötör Gulyas, a former Meta Reality Labs engineer. Alfred’s team includes engineers and designers from Tesla, Ford, and Honda, and the startup is based in Hawthorne, California, near SpaceX’s rocket factory. Alfred is developing a software platform designed to accelerate the engineering process for building machines, allowing developers to focus on innovation rather than repetitive tasks. The company’s flagship product aims to shrink research and development timelines, particularly for features seen in advanced electric vehicles, such as those produced in China. Ukil stated the startup is in active discussions with automakers, defense, and robotics companies, though specific partners were not disclosed. The company is seeking a $40 million valuation and has secured funding from Khosla Ventures, SV Angel, and Chapter One, among others. Altman’s involvement stems from a shared interest in cars, with Ukil noting that Altman’s belief in the project predates Alfred’s official founding. This investment aligns with a broader trend of venture capital pouring into physical AI startups, which raised approximately $5.3 billion in April 2026 alone, according to Crunchbase data. Alfred’s long-term goal is to streamline manufacturing processes, enabling engineers to prioritize cutting-edge features while reducing time spent on foundational development. The startup’s location in Hawthorne positions it strategically within the automotive and aerospace innovation hub of Southern California. Altman and OpenAI did not respond to requests for comment, while Alfred’s platform remains under development.