Why the former Google executive who backed OpenAI and Anthropic wants to get people off their screens

As both OpenAI and Anthropic aim for significant IPOs, few investors can claim early support for both companies. Bradley Horowitz, through his firm Wisdom Ventures, invested in OpenAI in 2023 and Anthropic in 2024. Additionally, he was an early backer of Cerebras, which recently made waves in its public market debut. His portfolio also includes notable names like Slack, Miro, Ramp, and ScaleAI, solidifying his reputation as a top venture capitalist, according to Business Insider's Seed 100. After spending 15 years as a product executive at Google, where he helped develop essential tools like Gmail and Google Photos, Horowitz is shifting his focus towards promoting 'tech-enabled well-being.' He aims to support founders dedicated to reducing screen time and fostering authentic human connections. Reflecting on his experience with Google Photos, he recalls a pivotal moment a decade ago when advancements in machine learning allowed for accurate object recognition in images. "We achieved automatic image recognition, eliminating the need for manual tagging," he said, noting that this breakthrough hinted at significant changes on the horizon. Horowitz has a longstanding relationship with OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, dating back to Altman's early days as a founder in Y Combinator. Their collaboration continued when Wisdom Ventures launched its first fund, leading to investments in both OpenAI and Anthropic, defying the typical Silicon Valley norm of avoiding direct competitors. "We’re not choosing a winner in this race; we want humanity to win," Horowitz stated. When assessing potential founders, Horowitz employs what he calls the "flat tire test." He explains, "If you're on a road trip and a flat tire strikes just a few miles in, some people might sulk over the misfortune, while others get proactive and turn things around." He prefers to work with those who thrive in challenging situations, likening the high-stress environment of a busy kitchen or a camp counseling role to the pressures of launching a product. "Some individuals crumble under chaos, while others excel in it," he observed. Despite having the means to retire comfortably after a successful career, Horowitz has recently closed an oversubscribed $80 million Fund II for Wisdom Ventures. He feels a strong obligation to impart his knowledge to younger, ambitious entrepreneurs, aiming to help them navigate challenges. "It would almost feel unethical to just relax on a beach," he remarked, finding joy in mentoring others. With the recent addition of former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, Wisdom Ventures is intensifying its focus on technologies that promote genuine human interaction and reduce screen dependency. Horowitz, who has spent years developing products that enhance digital engagement, recognizes the industry’s dual impact. "Technology has a balance sheet with both positives and negatives," he said. Now, his goal is to shift that balance towards the positive. "In the time I have left, I want to concentrate on the beneficial aspects of technology for our lives," he concluded.