Mira Murati, the former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of OpenAI, is making headlines with her ambitious new AI venture. The yet-to-be-named startup is already attracting top talent from industry giants and is reportedly in discussions to raise over $100 million in funding. This move signals a new wave of competition in the artificial intelligence landscape, challenging major players like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic.
John Schulman Joins Murati’s AI Startup
One of the most notable additions to Murati’s team is John Schulman, a co-founder of OpenAI, who has left Anthropic just five months after joining. Schulman’s exit from Anthropic was first reported by The Information, while Fortune recently confirmed his move to Murati’s venture. The reasons behind his sudden departure from Anthropic remain undisclosed, but sources suggest his focus on AI alignment research may have influenced the transition.
High-Profile Talent Acquisition
Murati has been assembling a powerhouse team, poaching talent from leading AI firms. Notable recruits include:
- Christian Gibson – Formerly part of OpenAI’s supercomputing team
- Jonathan Lachman – Ex-Head of Special Projects at OpenAI
- Mario Saltarelli – Longtime IT Manager at OpenAI
- Barret Zoph – Renowned AI researcher, also rumored to be involved in the startup
These hires indicate Murati’s intent to build a company with deep expertise in AI research, model training, and infrastructure development.
Murati’s Fundraising Efforts
Reports suggest that Murati is actively seeking to raise over $100 million to fund her startup’s AI development initiatives【10†source】. While the exact nature of the company’s products remains undisclosed, sources claim it will focus on proprietary AI models designed to compete with existing offerings from OpenAI and Google DeepMind.
Key Highlights from the Fundraising Talks:
- Investment Interest: Given Murati’s reputation and her leadership in groundbreaking projects like ChatGPT and DALL-E, investors are showing strong interest.
- Strategic Backers: Discussions are reportedly in early stages, with multiple venture capital firms and strategic investors keen to fund the initiative.
- Competitive Edge: The startup aims to develop next-generation AI products with a focus on performance and ethical AI deployment.
Schulman’s AI Alignment Focus
John Schulman’s transition to Murati’s startup aligns with his long-standing commitment to AI alignment research. When leaving OpenAI in August 2024, Schulman stated that he wanted to “deepen my focus on AI alignment and return to hands-on technical work.” His move to Murati’s venture suggests that the startup could place significant emphasis on responsible AI development and safety measures.
Industry Impact and OpenAI’s Response
Murati’s departure from OpenAI in September 2024 was part of a broader wave of leadership changes at the AI firm. OpenAI has since shifted governance and operational strategies, raising concerns about talent retention and competitive positioning. With former executives like Greg Brockman, Schulman, and now Murati leading new AI initiatives, OpenAI faces growing external competition.
What This Means for the AI Landscape
- Increased Competition: Murati’s startup joins a growing list of AI firms founded by ex-OpenAI executives, including Anthropic and Safe Superintelligence.
- Talent Drain at OpenAI: With multiple top-tier AI researchers leaving, OpenAI must reinforce its team to maintain its edge in AI development.
- Funding Rivalry: The AI industry is witnessing intense competition for capital, with startups aggressively securing funding to scale operations.
Conclusion
Mira Murati’s new AI venture is shaping up to be a formidable force in the AI ecosystem. With high-profile hires, a clear vision for AI development, and substantial fundraising efforts, the startup is poised to make a significant impact. While details on its products remain scarce, the industry is closely watching Murati’s next moves.
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