OpenAI Cofounder John Schulman Quits Anthropic, Likely to Join Mira Murati’s AI Startup

OpenAI cofounder John Schulman, who joined Anthropic last year, departed from the company in just five months. He is reportedly joining former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati’s AI startup, according to Forbes.

Schulman confirmed his departure on X, while his role at Murati’s startup remains unclear.

“Confirming that I left Anthropic last week. Leaving wasn’t easy because I enjoyed the stimulating research environment and the kind and talented people I was working with,” he said. “But I decided to go with another opportunity that I found extremely compelling.” 

Schulman, who left OpenAI in August 2024, cited a desire to focus on AI alignment research and hands-on technical work. His move signals Murati’s growing influence in the AI space.

Last year, Murati left her role as OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer in September 2024. 

The Information recently reported that Murati’s company, named Thinking Machines Lab, could be inspired by the intelligent “thinking machines” from Frank Herbert’s Dune or the defunct supercomputer firm Thinking Machines Corporation.

Incorporated in Delaware as a benefit corporation, ‘Thinking Machines Lab’ has a structure that allows it to consider societal impact alongside profit, offering some protection against activist investors.

Murati’s company is reportedly developing Agentic AI and has already secured over $100 million in funding.