Joshua Kushner
Also known as Josh Kushner
Joshua Kushner is a venture investor whose firm, Thrive Capital, has put large sums behind AI companies. He was born in Livingston, New Jersey, in 1985, and he graduated from Harvard College in 2008 and from Harvard Business School in 2011. He founded Thrive Capital in 2009, and in early 2023 the firm led a round in OpenAI at a $29 billion valuation. In December 2025, OpenAI took an ownership stake in Thrive Holdings, and TIME included him in its 100 Most Influential People in AI 2025 list. As of October 2026, he is a founder and managing partner of Thrive Capital, a firm that has led funding rounds for OpenAI.
Timeline
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1985
Born in Livingston, New Jersey
He is born in 1985 in Livingston, New Jersey.
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2008–2011
Harvard College and business school
He graduates from Harvard College in 2008 and from Harvard Business School in 2011.
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2009
Founding Thrive Capital
He founds Thrive Capital in 2009, a venture firm focused on media and internet investments.
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2023
A round in OpenAI
In early 2023, Thrive leads a round in OpenAI, investing nearly $130 million at a $29 billion valuation.
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August 2024
A further $1 billion for OpenAI
In August 2024, media reports surface that Thrive is investing an additional $1 billion into OpenAI.
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2025
A place on TIME's AI list
TIME includes him in its 100 Most Influential People in AI 2025 list.
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December 2025
OpenAI joins Thrive Holdings
In December 2025, OpenAI takes an ownership stake in Thrive Holdings.
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As of October 2026
Managing partner at Thrive Capital
He is a founder and managing partner of Thrive Capital, a firm that has led funding rounds for OpenAI.
Sources and credits
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