After managing to attract top-tier AI minds from OpenAI, Mark Zuckerberg now appears to be setting his sights on another rising force in the AI world: Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab, also known as TML. But this time, his efforts may be falling short.
According to Wired, not a single researcher at TML has accepted Meta’s offers to join its recently launched initiative, Meta Superintelligence Labs.
This rejection is particularly striking considering the eye-watering compensation packages reportedly offered. One source claims Meta offered an astounding $1 billion to a single individual, while others were presented with offers ranging from $200 million to $500 million over a four-year vesting period.
Despite the financial appeal, TML employees have so far turned down every offer.
What is Thinking Machines Lab?
Thinking Machines Lab was founded by Mira Murati, the former Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI. It is an artificial intelligence startup focused on pushing the boundaries of advanced AI research. The company achieved a $12 billion valuation in its seed round, despite not having launched a product yet.
Why Are They Saying No?
One major factor could be concerns about leadership. Meta’s new AI division is reportedly headed by Scale AI cofounder Alexandr Wang and former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman. Some employees at TML are reportedly uneasy about Wang’s limited experience and his approach to leadership.
Others have voiced concerns about Meta’s overall vision. While TML and OpenAI are focused on building toward artificial general intelligence, Meta is perceived by some as prioritizing algorithmic tools for platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This direction, according to Wired’s sources, fails to inspire many top researchers.
