In a groundbreaking development for the AI industry, Thinking Machines Lab, a startup founded by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, has raised an impressive $2 billion in a funding round. The round was led by prominent venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and saw significant participation from AI chip giant Nvidia, alongside other major investors like Accel, ServiceNow, Cisco, AMD, and Jane Street.
Mira Murati, who gained widespread recognition as OpenAI’s interim CEO during a tumultuous period in 2023, launched Thinking Machines Lab in February 2025. Despite having no revenue or products at the time of the funding, the startup achieved a staggering valuation of $12 billion in this seed round, underscoring the immense confidence investors have in Murati’s vision and expertise in artificial intelligence.
The funding round is one of the largest for an early-stage AI startup, highlighting the growing investor interest in cutting-edge AI technologies. Thinking Machines Lab aims to push the boundaries of AI innovation, though specific details about its projects or focus areas remain under wraps. Murati’s track record at OpenAI, where she played a pivotal role in advancing AI research, has positioned her startup as a potential game-changer in the industry.
Industry experts see this investment as a strategic move by a16z and Nvidia to solidify their presence in the rapidly evolving AI sector. Nvidia, already a leader in AI hardware, likely views this partnership as a way to align with promising software and algorithmic advancements, while a16z continues to bet big on transformative tech leaders like Murati.
The involvement of other tech giants like Cisco and AMD further signals the broad interest in Thinking Machines Lab’s potential to deliver disruptive solutions. As the AI race intensifies, this $2 billion infusion could accelerate the startup’s ability to compete with established players and carve out a unique niche.
As more details emerge about Thinking Machines Lab’s goals and projects, the tech world will be watching closely. For now, this funding round serves as a testament to the high expectations surrounding Mira Murati’s next chapter in AI innovation.
Andrew Lee
