Mira Murati, former Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI and a key figure behind the development of ChatGPT and DALL-E, is now pursuing a $2 billion seed round for her new AI venture, Thinking Machines Lab. Initially targeting $1 billion, Murati has doubled her ambitions as investor interest surges in generative AI startups. The proposed valuation of at least $10 billion underscores the intense enthusiasm from venture markets, even though the company has yet to release a product or generate revenue. Prominent AI researchers from OpenAI and other leading institutions have already joined the startup.
Why Such a High Seed Round?
The $2 billion target may seem staggering for a seed round, but the AI industry is no stranger to massive early-stage investments. Training sophisticated models requires substantial computational resources, and attracting top-tier talent demands deep pockets. As reported by TechCrunch, Murati’s leadership at OpenAI makes her a known quantity in AI innovation. Investors see potential parallels between Thinking Machines Lab and previous high-profile AI ventures like Anthropic or x.AI, which also started with significant backing.
Murati’s Background and Industry Trends
Murati spent over six years at OpenAI, where she played a pivotal role in developing GPT-3, GPT-4, and ChatGPT. Her brief stint as interim CEO during OpenAI’s leadership turmoil in 2023 further solidified her reputation. Since leaving in late 2024 to start Thinking Machines Lab, her vision has centered on building customizable, accessible AI systems—a response to growing demand for transparent and aligned AI models.
This push comes amid record-breaking investments in generative AI. Below are some notable recent funding rounds in the sector:
| Company | Funding Round | Amount Raised | Valuation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thinking Machines Lab | Seed | $2B (target) | $10B+ (projected) |
| Anthropic | Series D | $1.8B | $15B |
| x.AI | Seed | $1B | $5B |
What’s Next for Thinking Machines Lab?
With top AI researchers onboard, the startup’s next challenge will be turning its ambitious vision into reality. While no product details have been disclosed, Murati’s track record suggests a focus on scalable, interpretable AI. The question remains: can a $2 billion seed round set a new precedent for early-stage funding? Given the current appetite for AI investments, the answer appears to be yes. As the industry continues to surge, Murati’s latest venture may well define the next phase of AI innovation—provided she can deliver on expectations.
