Mira Murati’s AI Startup Welcomes Notable Former OpenAI Advisors
Mira Murati’s New AI Venture: Thinking Machines Lab
Introduction to Thinking Machines Lab
Thinking Machines Lab, founded by Mira Murati, the former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of OpenAI, is making waves in the artificial intelligence sector. Recently, the startup welcomed two notable advisors: Bob McGrew and Alec Radford. Both previously held key positions at OpenAI, and their involvement adds significant expertise to Murati’s new venture.
Key Advisors Join the Team
Bob McGrew
Bob McGrew joined OpenAI in 2017 and quickly rose through the ranks from a technical staff member to the role of Chief Research Officer by 2021. He decided to leave OpenAI in September 2024, citing a need for a personal break. His extensive experience in AI research will undoubtedly benefit Thinking Machines Lab.
Alec Radford
Alec Radford is another high-profile addition to the startup’s advisory team. He recently exited OpenAI after nearly ten years, where he made substantial contributions, including authoring a pivotal research paper on generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs). These transformers are foundational to many of OpenAI’s popular products, including ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Whisper, a speech recognition model.
What is Thinking Machines Lab About?
The startup has been relatively quiet about its specific research goals and product offerings. However, in a statement released in February, Thinking Machines Lab indicated its intention to develop tools that tailor AI solutions to individuals’ specific needs. They aim to create AI systems that are easier to understand, customizable, and more broadly capable than existing technologies. Specific details are still emerging, leaving much to the imagination about the lab’s future projects.
Leadership at Thinking Machines Lab
Mira Murati serves as the CEO of Thinking Machines Lab, leveraging her experience and insights from her time at OpenAI. She had initially joined OpenAI as the Vice President of Applied AI and Partnerships and later advanced to CTO in 2022. During her tenure, she was instrumental in the development of prominent AI models and applications, such as ChatGPT and DALL-E.
In addition to Murati, the leadership team includes:
- John Schulman: Co-founder of OpenAI, now acting as the Chief Scientist.
- Barret Zoph: Previously led model post-training at OpenAI and is currently the Chief Technology Officer.
Funding and Growth Prospects
As Thinking Machines Lab continues to grow, there are reports that Murati is in discussions to secure significant venture capital funding, potentially exceeding $100 million. The startup has attracted talent from leading AI organizations, including several employees formerly affiliated with OpenAI and Google’s DeepMind.
Future Challenges and Opportunities
While the future is uncertain, Thinking Machines Lab stands poised to make a substantial impact in the AI landscape. The combination of seasoned leaders and advisors hints at ambitious plans that could transform how AI serves individual needs. With the growing interest in AI and its applications, the lab’s development will be closely observed by industry experts and enthusiasts alike.
In summary, the involvement of McGrew and Radford adds valuable expertise to Thinking Machines Lab, assisting Murati in steering the startup towards innovations that may cater specifically to users’ needs. The excitement surrounding the lab reflects broader trends in the AI field, paving the way for novel advancements and applications.
