Mira Murati, the former chief technology officer at OpenAI, is reportedly seeking investment from venture capitalists for her new artificial intelligence startup, as per sources with knowledge of the situation.
The new company is focused on developing AI products utilizing proprietary models, according to a source who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the information. It remains uncertain whether Murati will take on the role of CEO in this new enterprise.
A spokesperson for Murati declined to provide any comments.
Although discussions are still in the preliminary phase, it is anticipated that Murati's new venture could secure over $100 million, given her established reputation and the financial resources required to train proprietary models, as noted by one of the sources, who also mentioned that these figures are not yet confirmed.
Barret Zoph, a notable researcher who departed from OpenAI alongside Murati in late September, may also participate in the new initiative, according to the sources. Zoph has not responded to inquiries for comment.
The Information previously reported that Zoph is in the process of launching a new startup and that Murati has been actively recruiting former OpenAI employees to join her efforts.
During her tenure at OpenAI, which lasted over six years, Murati played a pivotal role in groundbreaking projects such as ChatGPT and DALL-E. She was instrumental in establishing OpenAI's multibillion-dollar partnership with Microsoft, its primary financial supporter.
Murati's rapid ascent at OpenAI has solidified her status as one of the leading figures in the emerging field of artificial intelligence.
She joined OpenAI in June 2018 and was elevated to the position of CTO in May 2022, as indicated on her LinkedIn profile. Before her time at OpenAI, she was employed at augmented reality startup Leap Motion and at Tesla.
Murati often appeared alongside OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, serving as a prominent representative for the organization. When OpenAI unveiled its GPT-4o model in May, which is capable of engaging in realistic voice conversations, Murati led the presentation.
Her sudden resignation in late September signified the most recent notable departure from the ChatGPT developer as the organization navigates significant changes in its governance structure, which includes the dissolution of the non-profit board's authority. Murati, who had a short stint as interim CEO last year following Altman's removal by the non-profit board, expressed a wish for personal exploration as the reason for her exit.
Murati is now part of an increasing number of former OpenAI leaders who are establishing their own startups, including competitors like Anthropic and Safe Superintelligence.