Mira Murati, the former chief technology officer at OpenAI, is gearing up to launch her own AI startup and is currently in discussions with venture capitalists to secure funding, sources reveal. With a reputation as a leading figure in artificial intelligence, Murati’s new venture aims to develop innovative AI products based on proprietary models.

While it remains uncertain if she will take the helm as CEO, the potential for this startup is considerable. Given Murati’s impressive track record, there’s speculation that she could raise over $100 million to support the ambitious project, though exact figures are still being finalized.

Joining her in this exciting new chapter could be Barret Zoph, a respected researcher who also departed OpenAI alongside Murati in late September. Zoph is reportedly planning his own startup, and sources suggest he may collaborate with Murati. Despite inquiries, Zoph has not commented on the matter.

Murati’s departure from OpenAI came after more than six years of groundbreaking work, including leading transformative initiatives like ChatGPT and DALL-E. She played a pivotal role in establishing OpenAI’s multibillion-dollar partnership with Microsoft, its largest backer, and frequently appeared with CEO Sam Altman, representing the company at major events.

Having joined OpenAI in June 2018 and rising to the CTO position by May 2022, Murati has firmly established herself as a key player in the AI landscape. Her abrupt exit from OpenAI, attributed to a desire for personal exploration, adds her name to a growing list of former executives from the company who are venturing into startup territory. This trend includes notable competitors like Anthropic and Safe Superintelligence.

As Murati embarks on this new journey, the AI community is eager to see what innovative solutions her startup will bring to the table. With her expertise and vision, the future looks bright for her next chapter in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.