- OpenAI co-founder John Schulman has left Anthropic after five months and is reportedly joining Mira Murati’s AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab.
- Murati’s company, incorporated as a benefit corporation, is focused on developing Agentic AI and has secured over $100 million in funding.
John Schulman, co-founder of OpenAI, has left Anthropic just five months after joining the company. He is reportedly set to join Thinking Machines Lab, the artificial intelligence startup founded by former OpenAI Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati, according to Forbes.
Schulman confirmed his departure from Anthropic on X (formerly Twitter), though details about his role at Murati’s company remain unclear.
“Confirming that I left Anthropic last week. Leaving wasn’t easy because I enjoyed the stimulating research environment and the kind and talented people I was working with,” Schulman wrote. “But I decided to go with another opportunity that I found extremely compelling.”
Confirming that I left Anthropic last week. Leaving wasn't easy because I enjoyed the stimulating research environment and the kind and talented people I was working with, but I decided to go with another opportunity that I found extremely compelling. I'll share more details in…
— John Schulman (@johnschulman2) February 7, 2025
Schulman had previously departed OpenAI in August 2024, citing a focus on AI alignment research and more hands-on technical work. His decision to join Murati’s venture highlights her growing influence in the AI sector following her exit from OpenAI in September 2024.
Murati’s startup, Thinking Machines Lab, was recently incorporated in Delaware as a benefit corporation, a structure that allows businesses to balance profit-making with social impact considerations. The company's name is speculated to be inspired by the intelligent “thinking machines” from Frank Herbert’s Dune or the defunct supercomputer company, Thinking Machines Corporation.
Reports suggest that Thinking Machines Lab is focused on developing Agentic AI—AI systems with autonomous decision-making capabilities. The startup has already secured over $100 million in funding, reflecting strong investor interest in its approach to AI development.
Schulman’s move marks another significant shift within the AI industry as former OpenAI executives and researchers pursue independent ventures in the rapidly evolving space.
