TLDR: OpenAI has acquired Jams, a generative AI startup founded by former Meta engineers Asad Awan and Hamza Aftab, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan’s burgeoning tech industry and the first exit for venture capital firm Indus Valley Capital.
In a landmark development for the global artificial intelligence landscape, OpenAI, the pioneering force behind ChatGPT, has announced the acquisition of Jams, a generative AI startup originating from Pakistan. The acquisition, confirmed on November 9, 2025, underscores the increasing recognition of Pakistani talent in cutting-edge technological innovation.
Jams was co-founded by Asad Awan and Hamza Aftab, both accomplished former Meta engineers. The startup has been focused on developing authentic video experiences powered by generative AI, a field that holds immense potential for transforming digital content creation and interaction. Prior to this acquisition, Jams had successfully secured funding from prominent investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) in 2022 and Pakistan-based venture capital firm Indus Valley Capital (IVC).
Asad Awan, co-founder of Jams, expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter in a LinkedIn post, stating, ‘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.’ This sentiment highlights the founders’ commitment to advancing AI’s accessibility and impact on a broader scale.
The acquisition is particularly significant for Pakistan’s technology ecosystem. It represents the first exit for Indus Valley Capital, a notable achievement that validates the firm’s investment strategy and the potential of Pakistani startups. Aatif Awan, founder of Indus Valley Capital, lauded the deal as ‘proof that Pakistani talent continues to go global.’ He further emphasized that Jams was IVC’s inaugural investment under a new model designed to support Pakistani founders building globally, especially those based in the United States. Aatif Awan added, ‘This exit validates our ability to spot exceptional Pakistani founders anywhere and earn allocations in competitive rounds,’ indicating a strategic focus on nurturing and backing high-potential ventures regardless of their immediate geographical base.
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This move by OpenAI not only integrates Jams’ innovative generative AI capabilities into its formidable portfolio but also shines a spotlight on Pakistan’s growing contribution to advanced AI technologies, reinforcing the country’s position as a source of skilled entrepreneurs and cutting-edge innovation.
