In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, former OpenAI Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati has quickly transitioned from her role at the renowned AI firm to establishing a new venture. Since her departure in late 2024, Murati has been actively recruiting top talent from various AI companies, including her former employer and other leading firms. This move underscores the growing trend of key figures from established AI organizations branching out to create their own startups, adding a layer of uncertainty to the future of these tech giants.

Mira Murati's Stealth Startup Gains Momentum with Prominent Hires

In the autumn of 2024, shortly after leaving OpenAI, Mira Murati embarked on a new chapter by founding a stealth startup. Within weeks of her departure, she began discussions with venture capitalists to secure funding for her ambitious project. By January 2025, Murati had quietly assembled a team of about ten professionals, primarily from competitors such as Character AI, Google DeepMind, and OpenAI itself. Reports suggest that she intends to name the startup Thinking Machine Labs, reflecting her vision for an innovative AI research hub.

Murati's tenure at OpenAI spanned six and a half years, during which she played a pivotal role in developing groundbreaking technologies like ChatGPT. Her brief stint as interim CEO following Sam Altman's temporary ousting in November 2023 further highlighted her leadership capabilities. After Altman's return, Murati resumed her role as CTO but soon decided to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions.

Several high-profile individuals have joined Murati's venture. John Schulman, a co-founder of OpenAI, initially moved to Anthropic before switching to Murati's startup. Jonathan Lachman, formerly head of special projects at OpenAI, and Barret Zoph, who managed post-training teams, are also part of the new team. Additionally, Luke Metz, Mianna Chen, Christian Gibson, and Mario Saltarelli have all left their respective roles to join Murati's initiative.

This exodus of talent signals a significant shift in the AI landscape, as key players leave established firms to explore new opportunities. The influx of experienced professionals into Murati's startup positions it as a formidable player in the competitive AI industry.

From a journalist's perspective, this development highlights the dynamic nature of the AI sector. The rapid formation of new ventures by seasoned experts suggests that innovation in AI is accelerating, driven by both individual ambition and collective expertise. As more executives and researchers depart to start their own companies, the AI community may witness a surge in novel ideas and breakthroughs, reshaping the future of technology.