Mira Murati
TL;DR Mira Murati, former CTO and interim CEO of OpenAI, is now leading a new era of AI innovation as the founder of Thinking Machines Lab, a company redefining open and responsible artificial intelligence development.
Mira Murati by Sora
Mira Murati is an Albanian engineer, technologist, and business leader who has become one of the most influential figures in the field of artificial intelligence. Known for her technical insight and strong ethical compass, Murati’s career reflects a deep commitment to building intelligent systems that are both powerful and responsible. She rose to prominence during her time at OpenAI, where she helped bring world-changing AI systems, including ChatGPT, GPT-4, DALL-E, and Sora, from concept to global adoption.
In 2024, Murati concluded her tenure as Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in AI history. Her leadership was instrumental in shaping the company’s product strategy, ensuring that OpenAI’s innovations remained aligned with real-world human benefit. During OpenAI’s turbulent leadership transition in late 2023, Murati briefly served as interim CEO, providing stability and direction during a critical moment for the organization.
After stepping down in September 2024, Murati founded Thinking Machines Lab in February 2025, immediately capturing worldwide attention with a record-breaking $2 billion seed funding round at a $12 billion valuation. The company quickly established itself as one of the most promising new entrants in the AI space, focusing on creating open, customizable, and ethically grounded AI tools for researchers, developers, and enterprises.
Under Murati’s leadership, Thinking Machines Lab has already earned recognition for rejecting multi-billion-dollar acquisition offers and prioritizing long-term innovation over short-term profit. Her vision for the company, and for AI as a field, centers on accessibility, transparency, and human-centered progress, challenging the industry to think beyond closed ecosystems and proprietary dominance.
Former Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, leading the development of ChatGPT, GPT-4, DALL-E, and Sora
Served as interim CEO of OpenAI during the company’s 2023 leadership transition
Founded Thinking Machines Lab (2025), securing $2 billion in seed funding at a $12 billion valuation
Pioneered open, customizable AI tools, prioritizing transparency and accessibility for global developers
Resisted major acquisition offers, emphasizing independence and responsible innovation
Recognized as one of the most influential women in technology, championing ethical and inclusive AI leadership
Advocate for AI safety, regulation, and collaboration, shaping how AI is integrated into society responsibly.
Mira Murati’s journey from OpenAI to Thinking Machines Lab symbolizes the evolution of AI itself, from closed systems led by a few to a more open, collaborative, and human-centered future guided by visionaries determined to do things differently.
