In an industry where billion-dollar deals often define the future of innovation, Mira Murati made a decision that defied Silicon Valley norms. The Albanian-born AI pioneer and former Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI turned down a $1 billion offer from Meta to lead its new Superintelligence division.
Instead, she chose to stay true to her vision—leading her newly founded AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab, which is rapidly gaining traction for its mission to develop ethical, transparent, and public-focused AI tools.
From Albania to global impact: The rise of Mira Murati
Born in 1988 in Albania, Murati’s path to tech leadership began far from the buzz of Silicon Valley. She moved abroad for her education, eventually graduating from Dartmouth College with a degree in mechanical engineering. Her early career included stints at Tesla and Leap Motion, where she contributed to cutting-edge technology projects.
It was at OpenAI, however, that Murati made her mark on the global stage. After joining in 2018, she played a pivotal role in shaping some of the most influential AI systems of our time, including ChatGPT, Codex, DALL·E, and Sora. Her work was instrumental in turning complex AI research into practical applications accessible to millions.
Steering OpenAI through crisis
In late 2023, OpenAI was rocked by internal leadership upheaval. Amid the uncertainty, Murati stepped in as interim CEO, guiding the organization through a turbulent period with composure and credibility.
Although she soon returned to her role as CTO, her handling of the crisis solidified her reputation as both a technical visionary and a capable strategic leader.
Founding Thinking Machines Lab
In early 2025, Murati co-founded Thinking Machines Lab, a public-benefit AI startup focused on developing responsible, user-centric AI models.
The startup quickly raised over $2 billion in funding, drawing investment from major players such as Nvidia, AMD, and Cisco—as well as support from the Albanian government. At its core, the company’s mission is to ensure the next generation of AI remains transparent, secure, and free from the control of a few dominant tech giants.
Turning down Meta’s $1 billion offer
According to multiple reports, Meta approached Murati with a $1 billion offer to lead its ambitious Superintelligence project. The offer wasn’t limited to her alone but also to key members of her team—none of whom accepted.
Industry insiders say the decision wasn’t about compensation but but values and conviction. Murati and her team are committed to producing AI systems that serve public interest—not just corporate shareholders.
Mira Murati: Shaping the future of ethical AI
Murati is not only building next-generation tools—she’s shaping policies that govern them. She currently advises the European Commission on AI regulation and has become a leading voice in global discussions about responsible AI development. At the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, she famously remarked: “AI without values is intelligence without conscience.”
Her focus on aligning AI systems with human rights, transparency, and long-term societal well-being stands in stark contrast to the aggressive profit-driven race currently shaping much of the AI industry.
A new kind of tech leader
By rejecting one of the biggest offers in tech history, Mira Murati has made a strong statement: genuine innovation isn’t something money can buy. Her choice marks a change in the definition of tech leadership—not merely based on what is built but on the purpose and process behind its creation.
As Thinking Machines Lab prepares to launch its first suite of AI tools, all eyes are on Murati—not for the fortune she turned down but because of the future she’s committed to creating.
