Opto Investments announced the close of its AI-focused venture fund, designed to provide RIAs and family offices with differentiated access to private market opportunities tied to next-generation artificial intelligence innovation. The fund uses a multi-strategy approach focused on foundational AI technologies, including infrastructure, developer tools, specialized frameworks, energy systems, and enterprise applications.
The New York-based company said the strategy reflects its belief that the most durable AI opportunities are being created by the companies building the infrastructure and operational layers that support long-term enterprise AI adoption, rather than by the large public-market names dominating current AI exposure.
The AI Fund combines investments in venture funds with select direct and co-investments sourced through Opto’s research and diligence network. Representative direct and co-investments include xAI, the artificial intelligence company founded by Elon Musk; Epirus, a defense technology company focused on high-power microwave systems; ExoWatt, a renewable energy company building modular thermal energy systems for high-demand users such as data centers; and Higgsfield, a browser-based generative AI video platform.
The portfolio also includes investments in venture firms such as Fusion Fund IV, Neo Fund 4.0, and Zero Prime Ventures Fund II, which focus on early-stage AI, enterprise software, infrastructure, data, and cloud technology startups.
Opto said the fund was created to help RIAs and family offices gain diversified exposure to venture capital opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to source, diligence, and execute independently. The company added that the vehicle is part of its broader strategy to create thematic, actively managed private market investment products.
Founded by Joe Lonsdale, Opto Investments operates a platform focused on helping allocators build and manage private investment programs. The company is backed by investors including 8VC and Michael Dell’s DFO Management.
KEY QUOTES:
“Opto sees opportunity in active, selective investing that separates signal from noise. We built our AI Fund to give our partner RIAs’ clients exposure to the companies actually putting AI to work. These RIAs came to us seeking a smarter way to access AI, not just the largest, high-valuation names everyone already knows.”
Matt Malone, Head of Investment Management, Opto Investments
“Our diligence process is designed to find the companies solving the harder, less obvious problems across the stack: energy, compute, cybersecurity, tooling, orchestration, and the vertical applications that turn intelligence into output.”
Emmanuel Uwakwe, Portfolio Manager, Opto Investments
“Achieving scalable, differentiated exposure to private markets requires institutional-quality infrastructure. Opto redefines that equation by making sophisticated fund construction accessible across the wealth management ecosystem. The AI Fund is a great example. Opto enhances the effectiveness and productivity of an established investment team and serves as a particularly valuable partner for firms without sophisticated internal resources.”
Stuart Katz, Chief Investment Officer, Robertson Stephens
