Mira Murati’s Startup Faces Turmoil as CTO Departures Shake Team

Thinking Machines Lab, the ambitious artificial intelligence startup founded by former OpenAI Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati, is currently grappling with significant personnel changes. Key figures, including co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Barret Zoph, have departed amid allegations of unethical conduct, prompting a notable return of staff to OpenAI. This upheaval raises critical questions about the startup’s future direction and stability, occurring just a year after its initial launch.

Murati established Thinking Machines Lab in February 2025 following her departure from OpenAI in September 2024. Under her leadership, the startup achieved rapid acclaim, securing a record-breaking $2 billion seed round with a valuation of $10 billion, as reported by Tech Funding News. Investors included prominent firms like Andreessen Horowitz, indicating high expectations for Murati’s vision of customizable AI systems.

Leadership Changes and Internal Challenges

On January 14, 2026, Murati announced via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the company had “parted ways” with Zoph, who previously held a senior role at OpenAI. This announcement was met with immediate speculation regarding the circumstances of his departure, suggesting it was not amicable. Reports indicate that Zoph’s termination stemmed from allegations of unethical conduct, which have sparked discussions about the ethical governance of AI startups.

Technology journalists and insiders have amplified the narrative, with some highlighting the timing of Zoph’s exit. He reportedly informed Murati of his intent to leave just days before the termination, indicating potential internal discord over the company’s strategic direction. Zoph’s departure is compounded by the news that he, along with fellow researchers Luke Metz and Sam Schoenholz, are returning to OpenAI, a move confirmed by Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s applications chief, on X.

The loss of Zoph is particularly striking given his pivotal role in establishing Thinking Machines Lab alongside Murati. His return to OpenAI underscores the ongoing talent competition in the AI sector, where shifting loyalties can have significant implications for emerging startups.

Strategic Responses and Industry Implications

In response to the recent departures, Murati has appointed Soumith Chintala, known for his contributions to PyTorch at Meta, as the new Chief Technology Officer. This appointment aims to stabilize the leadership team and refocus on the company’s technical infrastructure. Initial reports also suggested a confusion regarding Chintala’s role, as some sources claimed he would take over financial responsibilities, reflecting the chaotic nature of the recent changes.

The exodus raises broader concerns about the ability of Thinking Machines Lab to retain top talent in a competitive landscape dominated by companies like OpenAI and Google. Insiders suggest that OpenAI’s aggressive recruitment strategies, which include substantial resource offers, have played a critical role in attracting former employees back to its ranks. Bloomberg reported that three staff members from Thinking Machines Lab have rejoined OpenAI, framing this as a strategic move that could enhance OpenAI’s research capabilities.

Murati’s previous experience at OpenAI provides a backdrop for these developments. Her departure from the company was part of a larger trend of executive exits motivated by tensions over safety and operational philosophies in AI development. The recent personnel shifts at Thinking Machines Lab could disrupt ongoing initiatives, such as the rollout of their first product focused on AI customization, which was highly anticipated by the industry.

As the startup navigates this crisis, the challenge will be to maintain momentum and investor confidence. The $2 billion funding round may offer a financial cushion, but long-term success relies on consistent leadership and innovative product development.

Looking ahead, the ethical implications of Zoph’s departure will likely influence the governance practices at Thinking Machines Lab. Discussions around the need for robust ethical frameworks in the tech industry are becoming increasingly relevant, especially in light of the rapid advancements in AI and the potential for societal impacts.

Ultimately, the future of Thinking Machines Lab hinges on its ability to attract new talent and deliver on its ambitious goals. Murati’s leadership style, shaped by her previous experiences, will be critical in steering the company through this tumultuous period. As of January 15, 2026, the situation continues to evolve, with industry observers watching closely to see how the company will respond to these significant challenges.

As the landscape of AI innovation continues to shift, the developments at Thinking Machines Lab serve as a reminder of the volatility present in the sector. The ability to adapt and maintain a cohesive team will be pivotal as Murati seeks to fulfill her vision of creating widely understood and capable AI systems.