Multiple Thinking Machines AI Researchers Reject Meta $1 Billion Offers

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has aggressively pursued top AI talent to join his newly announced Superintelligence Labs, offering extraordinarily high compensation packages reportedly ranging from $200 million to $1 billion over several years. These offers targeted employees of Thinking Machines Lab, an AI startup founded by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, which values independence and mission over quick financial gains. Despite the staggering amounts, not a single person from the startup has accepted Meta's offers, reflecting possible cultural and brand issues within Meta and a shift in AI talent priorities towards purpose and work environment. Meta confirmed making a handful of offers but disputed the exact figures reported. This recruitment push is part of Zuckerberg's broader effort to regain competitiveness against rivals like OpenAI and Google, particularly after challenges with Meta's own AI models. The situation highlights the intense competition for AI expertise amid massive investments in the sector despite uncertain returns.