October 19, 2024 - Mira Murati, former Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, is reportedly in discussions with venture capitalists to launch a new artificial intelligence startup focused on proprietary AI models. Her departure follows a series of high-profile exits from OpenAI, including Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew and Vice President of Research Barret Zoph, raising concerns about internal challenges within the organization.
In 2024, OpenAI has seen a significant turnover, with co-founder John Schulman moving to competing firm Anthropic, and other leaders such as Greg Brockman and Peter Deng also leaving. The company recently dissolved its superalignment team, which was tasked with managing superintelligent AI systems.
Details about Murati's startup remain limited, but it is expected to aim for over $100 million in funding, reflecting the substantial capital required for advanced AI development. Insiders suggest that Barret Zoph may join her new venture.
During her six years at OpenAI, Murati was instrumental in projects like ChatGPT and DALL-E, and played a key role in establishing a multibillion-dollar partnership with Microsoft. However, internal tensions have surfaced, particularly regarding the rapid rollout of new AI models, which some staff felt were released without adequate testing.
OpenAI's workforce has nearly doubled from fewer than 800 to around 1,800 employees since late 2023, shifting the company's focus from research and safety to product development. This transition has raised concerns among former employees about the company's commitment to AI safety.
With Murati's exit, OpenAI is tasked with navigating leadership changes while addressing internal issues. CEO Sam Altman has indicated he will temporarily oversee technical staff as the company undergoes significant restructuring, including removing the nonprofit's control over its for-profit arm.
OpenAI is also in negotiations for a substantial funding initiative expected to elevate its valuation to over $150 billion, led by Thrive Capital's $1 billion investment. Discussions are ongoing with other major investors such as Microsoft, Nvidia, and Apple.
As former leaders from OpenAI venture into new projects, the competitive landscape in the AI sector is poised for change, potentially impacting the focus on safety and ethics in AI development.