In a landmark moment for Pakistan’s technology landscape, generative AI startup Jams—co-founded by Pakistani-origin engineers Asad Awan and Hamza Aftab—has officially joined OpenAI, the global artificial intelligence leader behind ChatGPT. The development represents a major achievement for Pakistani talent in deep tech and highlights the growing presence of Pakistani-origin founders in the global AI ecosystem.
Announcing the news through a LinkedIn post, co-founder Asad Awan wrote, “Excited to share that we are joining OpenAI. Hamza Aftab and I started Jams to explore the best AI experiences for the masses, and we are thrilled to continue this vision with the best product and AI builders of our time at OpenAI.” His message captures the spirit with which the founders launched Jams: to build generative AI tools that reach and empower millions of users.
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What Jams Does: Building Generative Video Experiences
Founded by two former Meta engineers, Jams focuses on creating authentic video experiences using generative AI. Their tools make it possible to produce video content powered entirely by AI—opening the door for new forms of creativity, communication, and digital expression. Jams had previously secured funding from top global investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), and from Pakistan-based Indus Valley Capital.
A Breakthrough Moment for Pakistan’s Startup Ecosystem
The Jams-OpenAI integration is significant for several reasons.
Recognition of Pakistani Talent
The fact that a Pakistani-origin team is joining one of the world’s most advanced AI organizations reinforces the growing reputation of Pakistani engineers and founders in deep technology fields. It is a strong signal of global validation for the skills and ambition found within Pakistan’s diaspora.
First Exit for Indus Valley Capital
This also marks the first formal exit for Indus Valley Capital, a Pakistan-focused venture capital firm. The achievement is an important milestone for the local venture ecosystem, proving that Pakistan’s startups can achieve outcomes on a global stage. The firm’s founder described the acquisition as “proof that Pakistani talent continues to go global,” reflecting the pride and optimism shared across the ecosystem.
Elevation of Pakistan in Global AI
Generative AI is one of the fastest-moving frontiers in tech, especially in areas like video generation, multimodal models, and creative automation. Jams’ success places Pakistani-origin founders at the center of this global shift.
The Founders’ Journey
Asad Awan and Hamza Aftab represent a generation of Pakistani engineers who studied abroad, gained world-class experience at major tech companies, and then used that expertise to build innovative products. Their success highlights several important patterns shaping the future:
- Highly skilled Pakistani-origin engineers are now venturing into entrepreneurship after years in global tech roles.
- Tier-1 global investors are increasingly backing Pakistani-led startups.
- The diaspora is playing a crucial role in elevating Pakistani representation in deep technology.
What This Means for OpenAI
The integration of Jams into OpenAI opens doors to several possibilities. Jams’ expertise in AI-powered video experiences may strengthen OpenAI’s work in multimodal models, content generation, and creative tools. The founders may take on leadership roles that help enhance OpenAI’s next generation of consumer-facing AI products.
Impact on Pakistan’s Tech Future
The ripple effects are far-reaching.
Inspiring New Founders
Jams’ journey will inspire many young Pakistani engineers and developers to pursue ambitious global ideas.
Stronger Funding Confidence
VCs and angel investors in Pakistan now have a high-profile success story that demonstrates the potential of Pakistan’s talent and innovation pipeline.
A Growing Global Footprint
Each successful Pakistani-origin founder expands the network that supports others—creating a long-term foundation for more startups and exits.
A Moment of Global Visibility
This development helps reshape Pakistan’s image, positioning it as a source of high-quality technical talent, innovation, and global startup leadership.
Challenges and Future Outlook
As positive as the development is, it also highlights key challenges that Pakistan’s ecosystem must address: improving local infrastructure, increasing investment in R&D, supporting startup incubation, and creating a supportive policy environment. However, the momentum is clearly shifting, and Pakistani-origin founders are already proving what is possible on the world stage.
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Conclusion
The joining of Jams with OpenAI is much more than a startup acquisition—it is a symbol of Pakistan’s growing presence in the global tech arena. It reflects the strength of the Pakistani diaspora, the potential of local venture networks, and the emergence of a new generation of founders building world-class AI products.
For Pakistan, this is a proud moment and a preview of what’s coming next. And for the global tech world, it’s a reminder that groundbreaking innovation can come from anywhere—especially from founders who began their journey in Pakistan.