OpenAI Ex-Employee Launches Volante Chain for Same-Day Wage Access

Joey Bertschler, a former employee of OpenAI, has embarked on a new venture by establishing Volante Chain, a platform that leverages blockchain technology to provide employees with same-day wage access. Bertschler, who previously worked at OpenAI before the launch of ChatGPT, was instrumental in helping business customers utilize early-stage AI tools. His transition to the financial technology sector was driven by a desire to create a more efficient and equitable wage access system.

Volante Chain's platform allows employees at participating companies to receive their daily wages on the same day, eliminating the traditional month-end payment cycle. Bertschler highlighted the current system's limitations, describing it as a "30 days of taking your freedom away, of choosing what to do with your money," particularly for those living paycheck to paycheck. The platform employs blockchain technology to ensure seamless record-keeping in a verified ledger, reducing costs and enabling low fees.

In addition to blockchain, Volante Chain integrates artificial intelligence to predict employer defaults and assess risk in real time. Bertschler described the system as hybrid, combining AI-driven processes with human oversight and legal review. AI is used for pattern detection and decision-making support, but the system is not fully autonomous. Bertschler emphasized the importance of semi-automation, involving lawyers and human oversight to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Volante Chain has secured approximately $2 million in funding from private investors. Bertschler expects this capital to sustain the company for about five years, given its lean team structure. The platform is currently in its minimum viable product stage, with a closed beta deployment to a few thousand test users in Vietnam and Japan. Future plans include expansion to other regions, aiming to provide broader access to same-day wage payments.

Bertschler's decision to leave OpenAI and pivot to fintech was influenced by internal policies that limited advancement opportunities for non-US employees and excluded them from stock option plans. As an Austrian national, Bertschler felt constrained by the company's closed nature, which prevented employees from showcasing their work on platforms like GitHub. This lack of visibility hindered long-term employee growth and portfolio development.

Bertschler was critical of OpenAI's evolving direction, noting that the company has become more secretive and profit-driven since Microsoft's involvement. He argued that OpenAI's conduct is at odds with its founding principles, describing it as "closed AI." Bertschler's departure from OpenAI and subsequent focus on Volante Chain reflect his commitment to creating a more transparent and equitable financial technology solution.