Mira Murati Secures $2 Billion for AI Startup Thinking Machine

Mira Murati, the former Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI, has successfully raised $2 billion for her new artificial intelligence startup, Thinking Machine, which has rapidly achieved a valuation of $10 billion. This funding round marks one of the largest seed capital raises in Silicon Valley’s history, as reported by the Financial Times on June 20, 2025.

The recent investment comes in the wake of Murati's departure from OpenAI in September 2024, where she played a pivotal role in the development of renowned AI products like ChatGPT and DALL-E. She officially announced the launch of Thinking Machine in February 2025, aiming to enhance AI's accessibility and functionality through solid foundations, open science, and practical applications. “Our goal is simple, advance AI by making it broadly useful and understandable,” Murati stated during the announcement.

Thinking Machine's funding reflects a growing trend among former OpenAI executives, many of whom are venturing into the AI startup landscape. Notable examples include Periodic Labs, founded by Liam Fedus, former vice president of research at OpenAI, and Safe Superintelligence, launched by Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI's chief scientist, both of which have also secured substantial funding for their initiatives.

The significance of this funding is underscored by the current shift in the AI sector where the technology is evolving from experimental phases to becoming integral to operational infrastructures. As noted in a report by PYMNTS, the transition reflects a calibration of capabilities against operational necessities, moving away from vague objectives and fragmented technologies.

Murati's leadership and the backing from investors highlight a growing confidence in the future of AI technology. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Economics at Harvard University, “The investment in Thinking Machine showcases the market's acknowledgment of the potential for AI to transform industries and enhance productivity.” The report indicates that the AI sector is now viewed as a critical component rather than just a buzzword.

Furthermore, Murati’s involvement in OpenAI, particularly during a tumultuous period that included CEO Sam Altman’s brief removal in 2023, suggests a well-connected and experienced leadership team at Thinking Machine. This context enhances the startup's credibility as it seeks to establish itself in a competitive landscape.

In light of these developments, industry analysts are closely monitoring the implications for AI governance and ethical considerations as new players enter the market. As stated by Dr. Emily Chen, Director of the AI Ethics Institute, “With the rapid growth of AI startups, there is an urgent need for frameworks that ensure responsible innovation and accountability.”

In conclusion, the considerable funding raised by Thinking Machine not only emphasizes the startup's ambitious vision under Murati’s leadership but also signals the increasing maturation of the AI sector. The coming years will likely reveal how these new ventures will shape the future landscape of artificial intelligence and its applications across various domains.