Geoff Ralston, the former president of Y Combinator, has announced his return to venture investing with the launch of a new fund aimed specifically at artificial intelligence safety and responsible deployment, named Safe Artificial Intelligence Fund—or SAIF.
Ralston’s new effort positions itself distinctly amid a competitive landscape, as many venture capitalists scramble to back AI start-ups. Setting SAIF apart is its clear emphasis on safety and security within AI applications. Ralston plans to invest through $100,000 checks structured as “safes,” referencing the Simple Agreement for Future Equity instruments first developed by Y Combinator, capped at a valuation ceiling of $10 million.
According to Ralston, his ideal investments will focus on enhancing AI’s transparency, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, protecting intellectual property, and building protective mechanisms against misinformation and AI-generated cyber threats. Additionally, he intends to pursue opportunities in practical AI tools designed inherently with safety measures, such as predictive analytics and business negotiation aids that safeguard sensitive information.
Ralston acknowledges his definition of AI safety is intentionally broad, but he draws a sharp line against certain technologies, notably fully autonomous lethal weapons. Conversely, he expresses interest in funding enterprises developing defensive systems capable of detecting or neutralizing potential threats posed by AI-enabled attacks.
In making these investments, Ralston hopes his extensive tenure at Y Combinator—which spanned more than a decade, including three years as its president through his departure in 2022—will prove a strategic advantage. He pledges not only capital but also mentoring and application guidance to companies considering taking the next step into Y Combinator. Furthermore, Ralston says he will extend startups the benefit of his well-connected investor network.
Notably absent from Ralston’s announcement were details regarding the exact size of the fund, the total number of anticipated investments, or the identity of his limited partners.
