Ex-OpenAI Executive Assembles Team for New AI Venture
Mira Murati, the former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of OpenAI, is making waves in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry with her new startup, Thinking Machine Labs. Since her departure from OpenAI in late 2024, Murati has been actively raising capital and recruiting top AI talent from industry leaders such as Google DeepMind, Character AI, and OpenAI itself.
Her latest endeavor adds to a growing trend of former OpenAI executives launching their own AI ventures, sparking increased competition and innovation in the field of artificial intelligence.
Mira Murati’s Move from OpenAI to Independent AI Innovation
Leadership at OpenAI and Sudden Departure
Murati played a crucial role in OpenAI’s rise to prominence, serving as CTO and overseeing key projects, including the development of ChatGPT and other cutting-edge AI research.
In November 2023, she was briefly appointed as OpenAI’s interim CEO following the controversial firing of Sam Altman by the board. However, after a dramatic internal revolt, Altman was reinstated as CEO, and Murati resumed her position as CTO.
Her departure in 2024 came amid uncertainty about OpenAI’s future direction, particularly as the company shifted towards a more commercial, for-profit model.
Thinking Machine Labs: A Stealth AI Startup
Murati wasted no time after leaving OpenAI. Within a month, she was already in talks with venture capital firms to raise funding for her stealth AI startup, Thinking Machine Labs.
While details about the company’s mission remain under wraps, sources suggest that Thinking Machine Labs aims to push the boundaries of AI research, focusing on advanced language models, safety, and human-AI interaction.
Top OpenAI and AI Industry Talent Joins Murati’s Startup
Murati has already attracted a number of high-profile AI researchers and engineers to her team, many of whom were previously at OpenAI.
John Schulman: AI Alignment Expert and OpenAI Cofounder
- Background: A cofounder of OpenAI, Schulman played a critical role in developing ChatGPT and was instrumental in post-training models used by OpenAI’s API.
- Move to Anthropic: In August 2024, Schulman left OpenAI for rival AI company Anthropic, where he focused on aligning large language models (LLMs).
- Joining Murati’s Startup: After six months at Anthropic, Schulman departed and joined Thinking Machine Labs, bringing his expertise in AI safety and model refinement to Murati’s team.
Jonathan Lachman: Former OpenAI Head of Special Projects
- Background: Lachman worked at OpenAI for nearly two years, overseeing special projects related to AI research and implementation.
- Move to Thinking Machine Labs: In November 2024, Lachman left OpenAI and joined Murati’s startup, reportedly taking on a leadership role in AI strategy and operations.
These high-profile hires reflect Murati’s ambition to build a powerhouse AI team, capable of competing with OpenAI and other major players in the industry.
A Growing Trend: Ex-OpenAI Executives Launching New AI Companies
Murati’s startup isn’t the only AI venture founded by former OpenAI executives. Other key figures who have left OpenAI to start their own companies include:
1. Ilya Sutskever – Safe Superintelligence Inc.
- OpenAI Cofounder and Former Chief Scientist
- Left in May 2024 to start Safe Superintelligence Inc., focused on AI safety and alignment.
2. Dario and Daniela Amodei – Anthropic
- Former OpenAI researchers, they left in 2021 to form Anthropic, now a major competitor in the AI space.
- Anthropic has since raised billions in funding from investors like Google and Amazon.
These departures indicate a broader shift in the AI industry, with former OpenAI insiders pursuing independent research and commercial opportunities outside of OpenAI’s corporate structure.
What This Means for the Future of AI Innovation
1. Increased Competition in AI Development
The entry of Thinking Machine Labs and Safe Superintelligence Inc. into the AI landscape increases competition, pushing companies to:
✅ Develop more advanced AI models
✅ Focus on AI safety and alignment
✅ Improve human-AI interaction capabilities
2. Potential Challenges for OpenAI
While OpenAI remains a dominant force, the departure of key personnel could:
⚠ Slow down research and innovation
⚠ Create internal instability
⚠ Strengthen competitors like Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and Murati’s Thinking Machine Labs
3. Rising Investment in AI Startups
With venture capitalists eager to fund AI innovation, startups like Thinking Machine Labs are likely to secure significant investments, fueling rapid growth and expansion.
Final Thoughts: Murati’s Bold Move Signals a New Era in AI
Mira Murati’s decision to launch Thinking Machine Labs marks a significant development in the AI industry. Her startup, alongside those of other former OpenAI executives, reflects a growing wave of independent AI research and commercialization.
As AI technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, Murati’s venture has the potential to shape the future of artificial intelligence—challenging established players and driving the next phase of AI innovation.
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