OpenAI Co-Founder John Schulman Joins Former CTO Mira Murati's Startup

AI Visionaries Reunite to Drive Innovation at Thinking Machines Lab

In a significant development within the artificial intelligence industry, John Schulman, co-founder of OpenAI, has joined the startup founded by former OpenAI Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Mira Murati. This news, first reported by The Information on February 7, highlights the evolving landscape of AI leadership and collaboration as key figures from OpenAI embark on new ventures.

John Schulman, who co-founded OpenAI alongside notable figures such as Sam Altman and Elon Musk, announced his departure from OpenAI in August last year. Schulman cited his desire to focus on AI alignment research—ensuring that artificial intelligence systems operate as intended—as the primary reason for his exit. After leaving OpenAI, Schulman briefly joined Anthropic, an AI safety and research company considered a competitor to OpenAI. However, less than six months later, Schulman has decided to reunite with Murati, marking a notable partnership in the AI community.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Schulman shared, "I left Anthropic last week. It was not an easy decision, but I chose to pursue another opportunity that felt incredibly compelling." This move underscores Schulman's commitment to advancing AI technology through collaborations with like-minded innovators.

Mira Murati, known for her pivotal role in the development and launch of groundbreaking AI products such as ChatGPT and the image generation model DALL-E, joined OpenAI in 2018. She gained widespread recognition in May last year when she introduced GPT-4o, the voice model for ChatGPT. Despite her significant contributions, Murati left OpenAI in September, a decision that stirred considerable discussion within the organization and the broader tech community.

Following her departure, Murati established Thinking Machines Lab, a startup focused on developing advanced AI agents. The company has already attracted substantial attention and investment, reportedly securing over $100 million in funding within just four months of its inception. Murati has been actively recruiting former OpenAI researchers, building a team of experienced professionals to drive her vision forward.

While specific details about Schulman's role at Thinking Machines Lab remain undisclosed, his expertise in AI model development, particularly his leadership in the creation of GPT-4 and oversight of post-training processes, suggests he will play a critical role in shaping the startup's technological direction. Schulman's decision to join Murati's venture signals a powerful alliance aimed at pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence research and application.

The reunion of Schulman and Murati represents more than just a professional collaboration; it symbolizes the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of the AI industry. As former OpenAI leaders channel their expertise into new projects, the broader AI community eagerly anticipates the innovations that will emerge from Thinking Machines Lab. This partnership highlights the ongoing pursuit of AI advancements that are not only cutting-edge but also aligned with ethical and safety considerations, reflecting the core values that both Schulman and Murati have championed throughout their careers.