The artificial intelligence startup Thinking Machines Lab is embroiled in internal turmoil just months after its founding, with key researchers threatening to resign over strategic disagreements. The conflict centers on the company’s slow product release compared to competitors like OpenAI and the failure to secure additional funding at its ambitious $50 billion valuation.
Background and Founding
Thinking Machines Lab was created in February by Mira Murati, former chief technology officer at OpenAI, along with Sam Schoenholz, Barret Zoph, and Luke Metz. All four founders previously collaborated at OpenAI, bringing significant AI expertise to the new venture. However, tensions rose within a year as the startup struggled to meet industry benchmarks.
The Dispute and Founders’ Demands
On January 12, Schoenholz, Zoph, and Metz confronted Murati, pushing for Zoph to assume greater control over technical decisions. According to four sources familiar with the discussion, the three founders warned they would leave if their concerns were not addressed. This ultimatum reflects growing frustration with the company’s progress and its inability to capitalize on the booming AI market.
Failed Acquisition Attempts
The founders also pressured Murati to pursue acquisition talks more aggressively. Meta (Facebook and Instagram’s parent company) had reportedly explored buying Thinking Machines, and Murati had strengthened relationships with Anthropic’s CEO, but neither discussion led to a deal. The stalled negotiations underscore the difficulties in securing a favorable exit given the company’s current position.
Implications and Future Outlook
The internal conflict at Thinking Machines Lab highlights the intense pressure faced by AI startups to innovate and scale rapidly. The founders’ ultimatum suggests that Murati may need to cede some control over technical strategy to retain key personnel and prevent a mass exodus. If these issues remain unresolved, the company’s ability to compete in the cutthroat AI landscape could be severely compromised.
