Mira Murati’s journey began in Albania, where her brilliance was evident early on. At 16, she earned a scholarship to study in Canada, showcasing her academic prowess. Later, she pursued degrees in mathematics and mechanical engineering in the U.S. Her strong technical foundation set the stage for her groundbreaking career in artificial intelligence and technology innovation.
Rising Through the Tech Industry
Murati’s career took off at Tesla, where she served as a senior product manager for the Model X. Her expertise in engineering and product development led her to Leap Motion, an augmented reality startup. However, her true breakthrough came in 2018 when she joined OpenAI as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), playing a pivotal role in shaping AI advancements.
Pioneering AI at OpenAI
As CTO of OpenAI, Murati spearheaded the development of revolutionary AI models like ChatGPT and DALL-E. These innovations transformed how people interact with technology, making AI accessible to millions. Her leadership helped OpenAI become a global leader in artificial intelligence, setting new benchmarks for machine learning and natural language processing capabilities.
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Rejecting Meta’s $1 Billion Offer
In a bold move, Murati declined Meta’s staggering $1 billion offer to lead their AI division. Her decision reflected her commitment to ethical AI development and independent innovation. Instead of joining a tech giant, she chose to continue pushing boundaries on her terms, prioritizing long-term impact over short-term financial gains.
Founding the Thinking Machines Lab
After leaving OpenAI in 2023, Murati founded Thinking Machines Lab in February 2025. The startup focuses on creating transparent and customizable AI systems, addressing concerns around AI interpretability. With $2 billion in seed funding, the company quickly reached a $12 billion valuation, proving Murati’s vision resonates with investors and the tech community alike.
A Legacy of Innovation
Mira Murati’s career exemplifies resilience, vision, and ethical leadership in AI. From Tesla to OpenAI and now her venture, she continues to redefine technological possibilities. Her refusal of Meta’s offer underscores her dedication to meaningful innovation, cementing her status as one of the most influential figures in artificial intelligence today.
