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Jonathan Lachman Joins AI Startup Founded by Former OpenAI Executive Mira Murati
In a significant move within the tech industry, Jonathan Lachman, the former head of special projects at OpenAI, has joined a newly established artificial intelligence research lab. This venture was founded by Mira Murati, a former executive at OpenAI, and is focused on exploring artificial general intelligence (AGI). This marks a pivotal hire for Murati, who is building her team after leaving OpenAI under tumultuous circumstances.
Departure from OpenAI
Lachman’s exit from OpenAI has been confirmed by a spokesperson for the organization. His move comes amid broader changes in leadership at the AI research giant. Murati left OpenAI in September 2023, shortly after the abrupt dismissal of CEO Sam Altman by the company’s board. Murati held the role of interim CEO for a brief period during the chaotic events that unfolded following Altman’s termination.
In a recent podcast, Altman expressed that Murati’s appointment as interim CEO was a challenging moment for him, calling it ‘the low point’ during a tough leadership crisis for OpenAI. Following significant employee unrest, Altman was reinstated, and he acknowledged the important contributions Murati made during that tumultuous weekend.
Murati’s Ambitious New Venture
Murati’s new startup is still in its infancy; it has yet to be named and lacks a definite product direction. However, it is already attracting attention as she has successfully recruited around ten researchers and engineers from notable competitors, including OpenAI, Character AI, and Google DeepMind.
Notably, Murati’s decision to create this lab signals her ambition in the world of artificial intelligence. In her resignation note to OpenAI, she mentioned wanting to ‘create the time and space to do my own exploration.’ This aligns with the growing interest in AGI, a concept that aims to develop machines capable of performing a wide range of tasks at a human-like level.
The Ripple Effect of Leadership Changes at OpenAI
Murati’s departure from OpenAI follows a period of instability that saw several key figures leaving the company. Alongside Murati, Barret Zoph, vice president of research, and Bob McGrew, chief research officer, also exited the organization. Ilya Sutskever, co-founder and chief scientist of OpenAI, left shortly afterward in May 2024 to establish a startup focused on AI safety called Safe Superintelligence. Notably, Sutskever’s company raised an impressive $1 billion within three months of its launch.
These departures highlight a trend of former OpenAI executives venturing into new projects. Another prominent project, Anthropic, was founded by former OpenAI leaders and has raised significant funding, including $8 billion from Amazon. The competitive landscape of AI research is evolving rapidly, as these former executives leverage their experience to create new initiatives.
The Future of Artificial Intelligence
As Lachman joins Murati and her new team, the focus will likely be on innovative approaches to artificial general intelligence. The interest in AGI is rising, as it represents a frontier in AI research that could revolutionize various sectors, from healthcare to finance. However, developing AGI comes with moral and technical challenges that must be addressed.
Murati’s move can potentially lead to breakthroughs in AI that may redefine how technology interacts with society. The excitement surrounding her new venture underscores the heightened competition in the race for advanced AI capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Jonathan Lachman’s departure from OpenAI to join Mira Murati’s startup highlights significant shifts within the AI research community.
- Murati is building a dynamic team focused on artificial general intelligence, a rapidly growing area of interest within the tech landscape.
- The leadership changes at OpenAI have triggered a series of exits among top executives, leading to the creation of new ventures aimed at advancing AI technology.
- The implications of these changes may impact the broader AI industry, influencing how future technologies are developed and integrated into everyday life.
As the narrative around AI continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Murati’s and Lachman’s contributions will shape the future landscape of artificial intelligence. The ongoing developments in this field will be crucial to follow, as they hold the promise of transformative innovations in the years to come.