Mira Murati’s New AI Venture Poaches OpenAI’s Jonathan Lachman in High-Profile Hire
In a bold move that underscores the intensifying competition in the artificial intelligence (AI) space, former OpenAI executive Mira Murati has secured a major win for her fledgling AI research lab. Jonathan Lachman, the former head of special projects at OpenAI, has joined Murati’s unnamed startup, marking the most high-profile hire since she left OpenAI in September 2023 to pursue her own venture.
Murati, who previously served as OpenAI’s chief technology officer, has been quietly building her team, poaching roughly 10 researchers and engineers from industry giants like OpenAI, Character AI, and Google DeepMind. Her startup, still in its early stages, is focused on the exploration of artificial general intelligence (AGI), a concept that aims to create machines capable of human-like reasoning and problem-solving.
A Tumultuous Departure from OpenAI
Murati’s departure from OpenAI came less than a year after the company’s board of directors abruptly fired CEO Sam Altman in late 2023. In the chaos that followed, Murati was briefly appointed interim CEO, a move that Altman described as “the low point” of the leadership crisis. “I was like, that feels really bad,” Altman told podcaster Lex Fridman in March 2024.
The drama escalated when more than 730 OpenAI employees threatened to quit unless Altman was reinstated. Within days, Altman returned to his role, and Murati resumed her position as CTO.Despite the turmoil, Altman praised Murati’s leadership during the crisis, telling Fridman, “She did a great job during that weekend in a lot of chaos.”
When Murati announced her departure from OpenAI in September 2023, she expressed gratitude to Altman in a heartfelt goodbye letter posted on X (formerly Twitter). “There’s never an ideal time to step away from a place one cherishes,” she wrote, adding that she was leaving to “create the time and space to do my own exploration.”
Building a New AI Powerhouse
Murati’s new venture has already attracted notable attention, with Reuters reporting in October 2024 that she was seeking to raise over $100 million in funding. While the startup remains unnamed and lacks a clear product direction, its focus on AGI positions it as a potential rival to OpenAI and other industry leaders.
Lachman’s recruitment is a significant coup for Murati. As the former head of special projects at OpenAI, he brings a wealth of experience in cutting-edge AI research. His departure follows a wave of high-profile exits from openai, including vice president of research Barret Zoph, chief research officer Bob McGrew, and co-founder Ilya Sutskever, who left in may 2024 to launch Safe Superintelligence, a startup focused on AI safety.
Sutskever’s venture quickly raised $1 billion, highlighting the growing appetite for AI innovation and safety-focused initiatives. Simultaneously occurring, Anthropic, another OpenAI competitor founded by former executives, has secured billions in funding, including an $8 billion investment from Amazon.
The Race for AGI dominance
Murati’s startup enters a crowded and competitive field, with major players like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic vying for dominance in AGI research. AGI, often described as the “holy grail” of AI, promises to revolutionize industries by creating machines that can perform any intellectual task a human can.
While Murati’s venture is still in its infancy, her ability to attract top talent like Lachman suggests she is building a formidable team.The startup’s focus on AGI aligns with Murati’s vision of pushing the boundaries of AI innovation,a goal she has pursued throughout her career.
Key Takeaways
| Key Points | Details |
|————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Mira Murati’s Startup | Focused on AGI; unnamed, no clear product direction yet. |
| Jonathan Lachman’s Role | Former head of special projects at OpenAI; joins as high-profile hire. |
| Funding Efforts | Seeking over $100 million; exact figure not finalized. |
| Talent Poaching | Recruited ~10 researchers from OpenAI, Character AI, and Google DeepMind. |
| OpenAI Departures | Murati, Zoph, McGrew, and Sutskever left OpenAI to pursue new ventures. |
| Competitors | OpenAI, Anthropic, safe Superintelligence, and Google DeepMind.|
What’s Next for Murati’s Venture?
As Murati’s startup continues to take shape, the AI community is watching closely.With lachman on board and a growing team of top-tier researchers, the venture is poised to make waves in the race for AGI. However, the path ahead is fraught with challenges, from securing funding to defining a clear product roadmap.
For now, Murati’s ability to attract talent and generate buzz suggests her startup could become a major player in the AI landscape. As the competition heats up, one thing is clear: the race for AGI dominance is far from over.
What do you think about Murati’s new venture? Share your thoughts in the comments below or follow us for more updates on the latest in AI innovation.
Mira Murati’s New AI Venture: A High-Profile Hire and the race for AGI Dominance
In a bold move that underscores the intensifying competition in the artificial intelligence (AI) space, former OpenAI executive Mira Murati has secured a major win for her fledgling AI research lab.Jonathan Lachman, the former head of special projects at OpenAI, has joined Murati’s unnamed startup, marking the most high-profile hire as she left OpenAI in September 2023 to pursue her own venture. Murati, who previously served as OpenAI’s chief technology officer, has been quietly building her team, poaching roughly 10 researchers and engineers from industry giants like OpenAI, Character AI, and Google DeepMind. Her startup, still in its early stages, is focused on the exploration of artificial general intelligence (AGI), a concept that aims to create machines capable of human-like reasoning and problem-solving.
The Significance of Jonathan Lachman’s Recruitment
Senior Editor: Dr. Emily Carter, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the big news: Jonathan Lachman joining Mira Murati’s startup. Why is this such a meaningful development?
Dr. Emily Carter: thank you for having me. Lachman’s recruitment is a major coup for Murati. As the former head of special projects at OpenAI,he brings a wealth of experience in cutting-edge AI research. his expertise in managing high-stakes projects and his deep understanding of AGI development make him an invaluable asset. This hire signals that Murati is serious about building a formidable team to compete in the AGI space.
Murati’s Departure from OpenAI and Its Implications
Senior Editor: Murati’s departure from openai was quite dramatic, especially given the leadership crisis that unfolded in late 2023.Can you shed some light on how that period influenced her decision to leave?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. Murati’s departure came less than a year after OpenAI’s board abruptly fired CEO Sam Altman. She was briefly appointed interim CEO during the chaos, a role that Altman later described as a “low point” in the leadership crisis. despite the turmoil, Altman praised her leadership during that period. Though, the experience likely reinforced her desire to chart her own course. In her farewell letter, she expressed a need to “create the time and space to do my own exploration,” which aligns with her current focus on AGI.
the Competitive Landscape of AGI Research
Senior Editor: Murati’s startup is entering a crowded field with major players like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic. How does her venture stand out?
Dr. Emily Carter: The AGI space is indeed highly competitive, but Murati’s venture has a few unique advantages. Frist, her ability to attract top talent like Lachman and a growing team of researchers from leading AI firms positions her startup as a serious contender. Second, her focus on AGI aligns with her long-standing vision of pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. While the startup is still in its infancy, its potential to disrupt the industry is significant, especially if it can secure the necessary funding and define a clear product roadmap.
Funding and Future Prospects
Senior Editor: Reports suggest Murati is seeking over $100 million in funding. What challenges does she face in securing this investment, and what does the future hold for her venture?
Dr. Emily Carter: Securing funding is always a challenge, especially in a competitive field like AGI. However, Murati’s track record and the caliber of her team make her a compelling candidate for investors. The fact that competitors like Ilya Sutskever’s safe Superintelligence and Anthropic have raised billions highlights the growing appetite for AI innovation and safety-focused initiatives. If Murati can successfully navigate these challenges, her startup has the potential to become a major player in the AI landscape. The race for AGI dominance is far from over, and Murati’s venture is one to watch.
Final Thoughts
Senior Editor: As we wrap up, what do you think the broader implications of Murati’s venture are for the AI industry?
Dr. Emily Carter: Murati’s venture is a testament to the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of the AI industry. Her ability to attract top talent and generate buzz underscores the importance of innovation and leadership in this space.As the competition heats up, we can expect to see more breakthroughs and collaborations that will shape the future of AGI. Murati’s journey is just beginning, and it will be interesting to see how her vision unfolds.
What do you think about Murati’s new venture? Share yoru thoughts in the comments below or follow us for more updates on the latest in AI innovation.
