Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati Raises Over $100 Million for New AI Startup

OpenAI Veteran Mira Murati Starts Fundraising for Her Startup

Murati is back in the spotlight after reports say she plans to launch her own AI company, probably to compete against her former employers, and is seeking $100 million in funding. That total would put the company at a tenth of the much-sought-after $1 billion "unicorn" startup value right from the get-go. Reporting on the news TechCrunch says it has learned Murati's as-yet unnamed company will focus on "proprietary models" for AI. That means that her team has already gathered enough expertise to design their own complex algorithms to drive a current-generation AI system powerful enough to compete in a crowded market. The site notes that Murati said when leaving OpenAI that the company had "fundamentally changed how AI systems learn and reason through complex problems," so we could surmise that Murati's AI plans include not just the kind of "large language model" chatbot technology that could compete with older ChatGPT models, but maybe more advanced "reasoning" systems like the latest GPT versions. For now, there's not much more that can be gleaned from Murati's AI efforts. Interestingly, Ilya Sutskever has also launched his own AI company since leaving OpenAI, focussing in on the AI safety aspect -- his company has said it won't launch a single AI product until it can be totally satisfied it'll be harmless and only beneficial to people. Will Murati's AI products come with similar guarantees?

Mira Murati's post-OpenAI move: New AI startup, $100M in the works

Mira Murati, the former Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI, is stepping into a new chapter, reportedly raising substantial venture capital funding for her own AI startup. According to Reuters, Murati is in the process of securing over $100 million to fuel the creation of proprietary AI models and products, potentially positioning her new company as a major player in the AI scene. Murati's decision to leave OpenAI, a company she helped shape over the years, sent ripples through the tech community last month. As one of the most prominent figures in the AI world, her departure raised questions about what's next for the visionary leader. In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter) following her resignation, Murati reflected on her time at OpenAI, stating that the organization had "fundamentally changed how AI systems learn and reason through complex problems." However, she noted that her decision to step away was driven by a desire to explore new horizons, adding, "I'm stepping away because I want to create the time and space to do my own exploration." Though she has yet to reveal specific details about her new venture, the buzz surrounding her next move is palpable. Murati's leadership and expertise have already proven to be game-changing within the AI space. During her tenure at OpenAI, she oversaw critical developments that transformed the company into a leader in artificial intelligence research and application. She was instrumental in pushing the boundaries of AI technology, helping to shape systems that revolutionized machine learning and reasoning capabilities. Murati's impressive career predates her time at OpenAI. Before joining the company as Vice President of Applied AI and Partnerships in 2018, she held high-profile positions at Tesla, where she contributed to the development of the Model X, and at Leap Motion, where she worked on groundbreaking human-computer interaction technology. Her promotion to CTO at OpenAI in 2022 solidified her as a leading voice in the field, and she briefly stepped into the role of interim CEO during Sam Altman's brief ouster, a testament to her leadership and trust within the organization. Her departure is part of a broader trend of leadership shakeups at OpenAI. Hours after Murati announced her exit, OpenAI's Chief Research Officer and Vice President of Research also revealed they would be leaving the company. Despite these high-profile departures, OpenAI continues to thrive. Just a week later, the company raised an unprecedented $6.6 billion in venture capital funding -- the largest VC round in history -- further cementing its dominance in the AI space. Murati's new venture, though still shrouded in secrecy, has already attracted significant interest from investors, and for good reason. Her extensive background and contributions to some of the most advanced AI projects in the world suggest that whatever she builds next will likely be ambitious and transformative. The focus on proprietary AI models hints at a company that aims to carve out its own niche in the increasingly crowded AI market, potentially competing with the likes of OpenAI and other tech giants.

Former OpenAI Technology Chief Mira Murati Plans to Raise Capital For New AI Project

Former CTO of OpenAI, Mira Murati is now pursuing over $100 million in funding for her new AI startup soon after leaving the Institute. Mira Murati, the former chief technology officer at OpenAI is in the process of raising capital for her new artificial intelligence startup, according to sources familiar with the situation. Murati, who played a key role in OpenAI's success with transformative projects like ChatGPT and DALL-E, is looking to build AI products based on proprietary models. While it is still unclear whether Murati will take on the CEO role in this new venture, the startup could raise over $100 million in funding, given her prominence in the field and the capital required to develop advanced AI systems. According to one source who requested anonymity, the talks are in the early stages, and the final figure for the capital raise has not yet been confirmed. Murati's track record at OpenAI, where she was instrumental in driving significant technological advancements, is likely to attract interest from venture capitalists eager to invest in her latest project. There is speculation that Barret Zoph, a notable researcher who left OpenAI on the same day as Murati in September, may also be involved in the venture. Zoph has been reported to be planning his own startup, and Murati has reportedly been recruiting OpenAI employees for her new company. However, Zoph has not responded to requests for comment on his involvement. Murati's career at OpenAI spanned over six years, during which time she became one of the most influential figures in AI development. She was promoted to the role of CTO in May 2022 and frequently appeared alongside OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in public presentations. Her leadership was crucial in OpenAI's multibillion-dollar partnership with Microsoft and the launch of GPT-4o, which introduced realistic voice conversation capabilities. Her sudden resignation in late September, which followed major governance changes at OpenAI, came as a surprise. Murati, who briefly served as interim CEO during a tumultuous period for OpenAI, cited a desire for personal exploration as the reason for her departure. With her departure, Murati joins a growing list of former executives who have gone on to start their own AI ventures, including other key players such as Anthropic and Safe Superintelligence. As the AI field continues to expand rapidly, Murati's new project could mark the beginning of another major advancement in artificial intelligence.

Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati is reportedly fundraising for a new AI startup

This startup will reportedly focus on building AI products based on proprietary models and could raise more than $100 million in this round. At the time of her departure, Murati wrote on X that OpenAI had "fundamentally changed how AI systems learn and reason through complex problems" in its recent releases. She said, "I'm stepping away because I want to create the time and space to do my own exploration," but didn't offer any details about her future plans. Before joining OpenAI as VP of applied AI and partnerships in 2018, Murati worked at Tesla and Leap Motion. She was promoted to CTO in 2022 -- and was even named interim CEO during co-founder and CEO Sam Altman's brief ouster. Murati was one of several OpenAI executives to leave this year. In fact, the company's chief research officer and research VP announced their departures just a few hours after she did. A week later, OpenAI said it had raised $6.6 billion in the largest VC round of all time.

Former OpenAI technology chief Mira Murati to raise capital for new AI startup, sources say

Mira Murati, former chief technology officer at OpenAI, is raising funds from venture capitalists for her new AI startup, according to sources familiar with the matter. The new company aims to build AI products based on proprietary models, said one of the sources who requested anonymity to discuss private matters. It is not clear if Murati will assume the CEO role at the new venture. A representative for Murati declined to comment. While the talks are in the early stages, Murati's new venture could raise over $100 million given her reputation and the capital needed to train proprietary models, one of the sources said, cautioning that the figures have not been finalized. Barret Zoph, a prominent researcher who left OpenAI on the same day as Murati in late September, could also get involved in the new venture, the sources added. Zoph did not respond to requests for comment. The Information previously reported that Zoph is planning a new startup and that Murati has been recruiting OpenAI employees to join her new venture. Murati at OpenAI spent over six years spearheading transformative projects like ChatGPT and DALL-E. She was a key figure in OpenAI's multibillion-dollar partnership with Microsoft, its largest financial backer. Murati's meteoric rise at OpenAI has cemented her name as one of the most prominent executives in the fledgling field of artificial intelligence. Murati joined OpenAI in June 2018 and was promoted to CTO in May 2022, according to her LinkedIn profile. Prior to OpenAI, she worked at augmented reality startup Leap Motion and Tesla. She frequently appeared alongside OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as the public face of the ChatGPT maker. When OpenAI in May launched its GPT-4o model, which is capable of having realistic voice conversations, Murati led the presentation. Her abrupt resignation in late September marked the latest high-profile exit from the ChatGPT maker as the company undergoes major governance structure changes, including removing the control of the non-profit board. Murati, who briefly served as interim CEO last year when Altman was ousted by the non-profit board, cited a desire for personal exploration for her departure. Murati joins a growing list of former OpenAI executives launching startups, including rivals such as Anthropic and Safe Superintelligence. (Reporting by Anna Tong in San Francisco and Krystal Hu in New York; editing by Kenneth Li and Bill Berkrot)

Former OpenAI technology chief Mira Murati to raise capital for new AI startup, sources say

While the talks are in the early stages, Murati's new venture could raise over $100 million given her reputation and the capital needed to train proprietary models, one of the sources said, cautioning that the figures have not been finalized.Mira Murati, former chief technology officer at OpenAI, is raising funds from venture capitalists for her new AI startup, according to sources familiar with the matter. The new company aims to build AI products based on proprietary models, said one of the sources who requested anonymity to discuss private matters. It is not clear if Murati will assume the CEO role at the new venture. A representative for Murati declined to comment. While the talks are in the early stages, Murati's new venture could raise over $100 million given her reputation and the capital needed to train proprietary models, one of the sources said, cautioning that the figures have not been finalized. Barret Zoph, a prominent researcher who left OpenAI on the same day as Murati in late September, could also get involved in the new venture, the sources added. Zoph did not respond to requests for comment. The Information previously reported that Zoph is planning a new startup and that Murati has been recruiting OpenAI employees to join her new venture. Murati at OpenAI spent over six years spearheading transformative projects like ChatGPT and DALL-E. She was a key figure in OpenAI's multibillion-dollar partnership with Microsoft, its largest financial backer. Murati's meteoric rise at OpenAI has cemented her name as one of the most prominent executives in the fledgling field of artificial intelligence. Murati joined OpenAI in June 2018 and was promoted to CTO in May 2022, according to her LinkedIn profile. Prior to OpenAI, she worked at augmented reality startup Leap Motion and Tesla . She frequently appeared alongside OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as the public face of the ChatGPT maker. When OpenAI in May launched its GPT-4o model, which is capable of having realistic voice conversations, Murati led the presentation. Her abrupt resignation in late September marked the latest high-profile exit from the ChatGPT maker as the company undergoes major governance structure changes, including removing the control of the non-profit board. Murati, who briefly served as interim CEO last year when Altman was ousted by the non-profit board, cited a desire for personal exploration for her departure. Murati joins a growing list of former OpenAI executives launching startups, including rivals such as Anthropic and Safe Superintelligence.

Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati Said to Raise Capital for New AI Startup

It is unclear whether Murati will assume the CEO role at the new startup Mira Murati, former chief technology officer at OpenAI, is raising funds from venture capitalists for her new AI startup, according to sources familiar with the matter. The new company aims to build AI products based on proprietary models, said one of the sources who requested anonymity to discuss private matters. It is not clear if Murati will assume the CEO role at the new venture. A representative for Murati declined to comment. While the talks are in the early stages, Murati's new venture could raise over $100 million given her reputation and the capital needed to train proprietary models, one of the sources said, cautioning that the figures have not been finalized. Barret Zoph, a prominent researcher who left OpenAI on the same day as Murati in late September, could also get involved in the new venture, the sources added. Zoph did not respond to requests for comment. The Information previously reported that Zoph is planning a new startup and that Murati has been recruiting OpenAI employees to join her new venture. Murati at OpenAI spent over six years spearheading transformative projects like ChatGPT and DALL-E. She was a key figure in OpenAI's multibillion-dollar partnership with Microsoft, its largest financial backer. Murati's meteoric rise at OpenAI has cemented her name as one of the most prominent executives in the fledgling field of artificial intelligence. Murati joined OpenAI in June 2018 and was promoted to CTO in May 2022, according to her LinkedIn profile. Prior to OpenAI, she worked at augmented reality startup Leap Motion and Tesla. She frequently appeared alongside OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as the public face of the ChatGPT maker. When OpenAI in May launched its GPT-4o model, which is capable of having realistic voice conversations, Murati led the presentation. Her abrupt resignation in late September marked the latest high-profile exit from the ChatGPT maker as the company undergoes major governance structure changes, including removing the control of the non-profit board. Murati, who briefly served as interim CEO last year when Altman was ousted by the non-profit board, cited a desire for personal exploration for her departure. Murati joins a growing list of former OpenAI executives launching startups, including rivals such as Anthropic and Safe Superintelligence. © Thomson Reuters 2024

Former OpenAI technology chief Mira Murati to raise capital for new AI startup, sources say

Oct 18 - Mira Murati, former chief technology officer at OpenAI, is raising funds from venture capitalists for her new AI startup, according to sources familiar with the matter. The new company aims to build AI products based on proprietary models, said one of the sources who requested anonymity to discuss private matters. It is not clear if Murati will assume the CEO role at the new venture. A representative for Murati declined to comment. Advertisement · Scroll to continue While the talks are in the early stages, Murati's new venture could raise over $100 million given her reputation and the capital needed to train proprietary models, one of the sources said, cautioning that the figures have not been finalized. Barret Zoph, a prominent researcher who left OpenAI on the same day as Murati in late September, could also get involved in the new venture, the sources added. Zoph did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement · Scroll to continue The Information previously reported that Zoph is planning a new startup and that Murati has been recruiting OpenAI employees to join her new venture. Murati at OpenAI spent over six years spearheading transformative projects like ChatGPT and DALL-E. She was a key figure in OpenAI's multibillion-dollar partnership with Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab, its largest financial backer. Murati's meteoric rise at OpenAI has cemented her name as one of the most prominent executives in the fledgling field of artificial intelligence. Murati joined OpenAI in June 2018 and was promoted to CTO in May 2022, according to her LinkedIn profile. Prior to OpenAI, she worked at augmented reality startup Leap Motion and Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab. She frequently appeared alongside OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as the public face of the ChatGPT maker. When OpenAI in May launched its GPT-4o model, which is capable of having realistic voice conversations, Murati led the presentation. Her abrupt resignation in late September marked the latest high-profile exit from the ChatGPT maker as the company undergoes major governance structure changes, including removing the control of the non-profit board. Murati, who briefly served as interim CEO last year when Altman was ousted by the non-profit board, cited a desire for personal exploration for her departure. Murati joins a growing list of former OpenAI executives launching startups, including rivals such as Anthropic and Safe Superintelligence. Reporting by Anna Tong in San Francisco and Krystal Hu in New York; editing by Kenneth Li and Bill Berkrot Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab Anna Tong Thomson Reuters Anna Tong is a correspondent for Reuters based in San Francisco, where she reports on the technology industry. She joined Reuters in 2023 after working at the San Francisco Standard as a data editor. Tong previously worked at technology startups as a product manager and at Google where she worked in user insights and helped run a call center. Tong graduated from Harvard University. Krystal Hu Thomson Reuters Krystal reports on venture capital and startups for Reuters. She covers Silicon Valley and beyond through the lens of money and characters, with a focus on growth-stage startups, tech investments and AI. She has previously covered M&A for Reuters, breaking stories on Trump's SPAC and Elon Musk's Twitter financing. Previously, she reported on Amazon for Yahoo Finance, and her investigation of the company's retail practice was cited by lawmakers in Congress. Krystal started a career in journalism by writing about tech and politics in China. She has a master's degree from New York University, and enjoys a scoop of Matcha ice cream as much as getting a scoop at work.