Andrew Tulloch, co-founder of Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab, has departed the AI startup to join Meta Platforms, according to the Wall Street Journal. A spokesperson for Thinking Machines Lab confirmed that Tulloch chose to “pursue a different path for personal reasons.” His move comes after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly attempted to acquire the startup. Upon refusal, Meta approached several of its employees, including Tulloch, to join the tech giant.
Tulloch’s compensation package at Meta is expected to be valued at around $1.5 billion over at least six years, including top bonuses and exceptional stock performance. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman highlighted the scale of these incentives, noting that Meta has offered employees bonuses of $100 million to attract them. These developments underscore the fierce competition among leading technology companies to secure top-tier AI talent.
Meta’s aggressive hiring spree is seen as part of a broader strategy to bolster its artificial intelligence capabilities. The company is reportedly working to address the underwhelming reception of its Llama 4 model and accelerate progress in advanced AI development. By recruiting experienced professionals from startups like Thinking Machines Lab, Meta aims to close the innovation gap with rivals and strengthen its presence in the rapidly evolving AI sector.
Industry analysts suggest that such talent acquisitions are becoming increasingly critical for tech giants striving to lead in AI research and deployment. With substantial financial incentives and stock options on the table, companies like Meta are willing to make significant investments to attract the best minds in the field. This trend reflects the growing recognition of the strategic importance of AI expertise in shaping the future of technology.
Tulloch’s transition from Thinking Machines Lab to Meta highlights both the high stakes of AI development and the intense competition to secure visionary talent. As major tech firms continue to expand their AI capabilities, the movement of key individuals between startups and established companies is likely to play a pivotal role in defining the next wave of innovation in the industry.
