Mira Murati, the former chief technology officer (CTO) for ChatGPT maker OpenAI, is reportedly raising capital for a new artificial intelligence startup.
According to a recent report by Reuters, Murati is currently in the process of pitching the project to potential investors. The startup would focus on creating “AI products based on proprietary models.”
The sources close to the situation told Reuters that initial investments could cross the $100 million mark given the funds necessary for such a project as well as Murati’s standing in the industry. However, the talks between Murati and investors seem to be in the early stages.
While working on raising the necessary funds for the startup, Murati is also working on recruiting staff. She apparently approached a number of former and current OpenAI employees to gauge their interest in joining the new venture. Barret Zoph, who was a prominent figure in OpenAI and left the company at the same time as Murati, could reportedly get on board, although nothing has been finalized.
Mira Murati started her career with electric vehicle maker Tesla before joining the augmented reality startup Leap Motion. She became part of OpenAI in 2018 and made significant contributions to startup projects, including ChatGPT, while also playing a crucial role in securing financial backing from Microsoft.
Murati left OpenAI in September to “turn her full attention and energies toward her exploration and whatever comes next.”