Ex-OpenAI Tech Chief Mira Murati Raises $2 Billion for AI Startup Thinking Machine

Thinking Machine, a startup founded by former OpenAI executive Mira Murati, has reached a $10 billion valuation following a $2 billion funding deal, according to the Financial Times. This funding round is one of the largest seed rounds in Silicon Valley history.

The deal was closed recently, with sources familiar with the matter stating that Thinking Machine has been leveraging Murati's reputation to attract investors. Murati stepped down from her role at OpenAI in September and announced the launch of Thinking Machine in February.

Advancing AI Through Foundational Research

"Our goal is simple, advance AI by making it broadly useful and understandable through solid foundations, open science, and practical applications," Murati said at the time of the startup's launch. The company has not revealed much about its specific efforts, but it is clear that Murati's vision is centered on making AI more accessible and beneficial.

Murati's Role in OpenAI

Murati played a critical role in the development of OpenAI's products, including ChatGPT and DALL-E. She was also one of the executives who raised concerns about the leadership of CEO Sam Altman, leading to his short-lived removal in 2023. Murati briefly served as interim CEO before Altman was restored to his position.

A New Wave of AI Startups

Thinking Machine is part of a broader trend of former OpenAI executives launching their own AI startups. Other notable examples include Periodic Labs, founded by former OpenAI vice president of research Liam Fedus, and Safe Superintelligence, founded by OpenAI chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, which has also raised substantial funding.

The Future of AI in Business

As AI continues to evolve, it is transitioning from a buzzword to a critical component of business infrastructure. CFOs are increasingly reporting positive returns on investment from AI initiatives, which are now being integrated into back-office operations. The application of AI technologies, particularly generative and agentic AI, is unfolding incrementally and through the calibration of capability against operational necessity.

Conclusion

Mira Murati's new AI startup, Thinking Machine, has secured a significant $2 billion funding round, marking a major milestone in the AI industry. With a focus on foundational research and practical applications, Thinking Machine is poised to make a significant impact in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.