In today’s fast-moving AI ecosystem, there are plenty of models, APIs, and hype, but early-stage startups still face a big question: how do you build an AI product that not only works but sells? That’s exactly what Hao Sang, a member of OpenAI’s startups Go-to-Market team, will talk about at TechCrunch Session: AI on June 5, taking place at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley, California.
Hao works directly with startup founders, helping them turn powerful AI tools into real products that deliver value. His support goes beyond just the technical aspects; he helps companies build the right architecture, think about monetization, and find product-market fit, all in a fast-changing industry.
The company says.
“Hao works directly with founders who are in the trenches, helping them translate foundational tech into practical value.”
Before joining OpenAI, Hao worked at Stripe, OpenPhone, and Slack, giving him a rare combination of deep technical knowledge and strong go-to-market experience. This allows him to understand what truly separates successful AI startups from the rest.
In his session, Hao will share:
- Common patterns he sees among top AI startups
- How teams balance cost vs. performance
- Mistakes companies make when scaling too quickly without a solid technical or distribution base
You’ll also hear his insights on how to use OpenAI’s platform best and, more importantly, how to figure out where AI belongs in your product stack. This event is a rare chance for startup founders and technical leads to learn directly from someone who has visibility into the AI startup landscape and the battle scars to prove it. Hao’s talk is especially relevant now, as startups try to move beyond basic chatbot wrappers and start building agent-powered systems that offer true differentiation in the market.
This session is included in a day-long event with speakers from Google Cloud, Anthropic, Cohere, OpenAI, and additional top AI organizations. Topics will cover startup strategy, infrastructure, and next-generation tools that are actively changing how AI products are built and funded. Tickets are offered at a discount, featuring a temporary 50% reduction for your co-founder or tech lead. If you're committed to creating AI products, this is the space for you.
About the Author
Munazza Shaheen is an AI and technology researcher at TECHi with a deep interest in machine learning, automation, and emerging tech trends. Her work focuses on exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on industries, ethical AI development, and future innovations. She actively follows advancements in deep learning, robotics, and AI-driven solutions, contributing insights into how technology is shaping the world.
