Thinking Machines Lab, the stealthy artificial intelligence startup launched by Mira Murati, former Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI, has successfully completed an unprecedented $2 billion seed funding round, valuing the company at $10 billion.
Founded only six months ago, Thinking Machines Lab has been quietly recruiting top talent from the AI sector, capitalizing on Murati’s influential credibility within the technology community. The unusually large seed round was reportedly spearheaded by venture firm Andreessen Horowitz, with additional backing from Conviction Partners, an investment firm led by Sarah Guo.
Details surrounding the specific focus and operations of Thinking Machines Lab remain closely guarded, reflecting the strategic secrecy common among emerging AI ventures. However, the firm’s recruitment of high-profile AI researchers and seasoned industry veterans has drawn significant attention from investors eager to capitalize on Murati’s record of successful innovation.
Murati stepped away from OpenAI last September following a significant tenure during which she oversaw the creation of flagship products such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, and the platform’s voice mode. Her departure coincided with internal tensions surrounding CEO Sam Altman’s leadership. Murati briefly served as OpenAI’s interim CEO after the board’s temporary removal of Altman in November 2023, before his rapid reinstatement.
The successful fundraising by Thinking Machines Lab positions it among the largest seed investments in history, underscoring intense investor interest and optimism within the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence market.
