A 23-Year-Old Former OpenAI Employee Returns 47% in 6 Months with His AI Fund, Reveals Top 5 Stock Picks

Leopold Aschenbrenner, a 23-year-old former OpenAI employee, has started a hedge fund, Situational Awareness, which returned 47% in its first six months. The fund's top five stock picks include Broadcom, Core Scientific, Vistra Corp., EQT Corp., and Rivian Automotive. Aschenbrenner's expertise in AI has helped the fund make significant gains, with a current portfolio value of over $1.5 billion.

Leopold Aschenbrenner, a 23-year-old former OpenAI employee, has made a splash in the financial world by launching Situational Awareness, a hedge fund that has returned 47% in its first six months. The fund's impressive performance has drawn attention from investors and financial professionals alike. Situational Awareness's top five stock picks include Broadcom, Core Scientific, Vistra Corp., EQT Corp., and Rivian Automotive. Aschenbrenner's expertise in AI has been a key factor in the fund's success, with a current portfolio value of over $1.5 billion First Brands’ implosion is ripping through private credit – and lenders are scrambling to contain the fallout^[1].

The fund's focus on technology and semiconductor companies reflects the broader trends in the market. Broadcom, for instance, is a major beneficiary of the ASIC market expansion, with analysts expecting its CoWoS capacity allocation to increase by 81% year-over-year by FY26 Top Stock Picks for Q4 2025 According to HSBC Analysts^[2]. The fund's investment in Rivian Automotive, an electric vehicle manufacturer, also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions.

Aschenbrenner's ability to leverage AI for investment decisions has set Situational Awareness apart from traditional hedge funds. The fund's performance underscores the potential of AI in identifying investment opportunities and managing portfolios. However, the fund's success also highlights the risks associated with private credit and complex financial engineering, as seen in the collapse of First Brands Group First Brands’ implosion is ripping through private credit – and lenders are scrambling to contain the fallout^[1].

The broader implications of Situational Awareness's success are significant. It demonstrates the potential of AI in the financial sector and the importance of innovation in investment strategies. However, it also raises questions about the transparency and risk management in private credit markets. As the private credit market continues to grow, investors and regulators must remain vigilant to ensure the stability of the financial system.