OpenAI to acquire the team behind executive coaching AI tool Convogo

City: OpenAI is starting the new year with an acqui-hire. They are acquiring the team behind Convogo, a tool that helps executive coaches and HR teams. This tool automates leadership assessments and feedback reporting to make work easier.

An OpenAI spokesperson said they are not buying Convogo’s technology but hiring its team. The three co-founders—Matt Cooper, Evan Cater, and Mike Gillett—will join OpenAI. This is an all-stock deal, meaning they are not paying with cash.

Convogo’s product will be shut down as part of this move. The startup began as a “weekend hackathon.” Cooper’s mother, who is an executive coach, asked if an AI could help with report writing. This would let her do more of the human coaching she loves. Over two years, Convogo has helped thousands of coaches.

In an email, the team shared that they found a real gap. It’s hard to connect new AI models with actual outcomes. They believe the answer lies in creating thoughtful, purpose-built tools like Convogo offers. They are excited to work with OpenAI to make AI useful for professionals in many fields.

This is OpenAI’s ninth acquisition in a year, according to PitchBook. In most cases, products were either blended into OpenAI’s system or shut down when teams joined. The Convogo deal shows that OpenAI is using acquisitions to speed up talent and capabilities. One exception was the deal with Jonny Ive’s io Products, which is continuing its product plans.