Mira Murati Secures $2 Billion Seed Round for Mysterious New AI Startup, Thinking Machines Lab

OpenAI’s former Chief Technology Officer, Mira Murati, has secured one of the most substantial seed rounds in history, with a staggering $2 billion investment for her secretive startup, Thinking Machines Lab. The venture is in such an early stage that it hasn’t even disclosed its core focus, yet this massive funding has sparked significant buzz and raised eyebrows in Silicon Valley. It’s just the latest example of a trend where top AI researchers are branching out from OpenAI to pursue their own ambitious projects. In a recent episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, hosts Kirsten Korosec, Rebecca Bellan, and Anthony Ha delved into the factors driving this talent exodus from OpenAI. They explored the surge in investor enthusiasm for AI startups and provided insights based on a former employee's insider perspective. The consensus among the hosts is clear: the landscape of seed rounds has fundamentally transformed. The massive seed round underscores the intense competition and high stakes in the AI industry. Investors are clamoring to back promising ventures, even those in the preliminary stages, as they strive to stay ahead of technological advancements and the rapidly evolving market. This investment is a testament to Murati’s reputation and track record at OpenAI, where she played a crucial role in the development of advanced AI models. However, the influx of capital into early-stage startups is not without its risks. The hosts discussed the potential for overvaluation and the challenges that come with managing such significant funds before the company’s product or service is fully developed. This built-in chaos adds a layer of uncertainty but also highlights the unprecedented opportunities in the AI sector. Thinking Machines Lab is one of several new ventures launched by OpenAI alumni. These individuals, armed with deep expertise and innovative ideas, are setting their sights on pushing the boundaries of AI technology further. The movement indicates a broader trend of fragmentation within the AI community, as researchers seek to leverage their skills and knowledge to create new companies and explore novel applications. Rebecca Bellan, a senior reporter at TechCrunch who covers Tesla, Elon Musk’s wider network, AI, and other technological domains, emphasized the changing dynamics of the venture capital world. Seed rounds, once modest in size, now carry multimillion—if not multibillion—dollar figures. This shift reflects investors' growing confidence in the potential of AI and their willingness to take bold bets on pioneering projects. For those interested in delving deeper into the topic, the full episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast offers additional insights and analysis. Equity, produced by Theresa Loconsolo, posts new episodes every Wednesday and Friday. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, and other platforms. Follow Equity on X and Threads at @EquityPod for regular updates. Rebecca Bellan has contributed to a variety of publications, including Forbes.com, Bloomberg CityLab, The Atlantic, and others. Currently, she writes the TechCrunch Daily morning newsletter and co-hosts the Equity podcast. Her investment in Ethereum adds another dimension to her understanding of emerging technologies and financial trends. The $2 billion seed round for Thinking Machines Lab marks a pivotal moment in the development of AI startups, highlighting both the immense potential and the volatile nature of investing in this cutting-edge field. It’s a clear indication that the race to dominate the AI landscape is heating up, with significant implications for the future of technology and business.