Mira Murati, former Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI, is now stepping into the spotlight once again with her new venture — Thinking Machines Lab. What sets this startup apart isn’t just its mission or leadership, but the staggering $2 billion seed funding round it is reportedly aiming to secure.
The Largest Seed Round Attempted in AI History
According to reports by TechCrunch and Business Insider, Thinking Machines Lab is in the process of raising one of the largest-ever seed rounds for a technology startup. The original goal for the seed round was significantly lower, but has now reportedly doubled to $2 billion. If successful, this funding round could value the company at over $10 billion, placing it among the most valuable AI startups globally at launch.
This ambitious attempt by Murati’s team underlines not only the confidence investors have in her leadership but also the increasing demand for powerful, next-generation AI systems.
What Makes Thinking Machines Lab Stand Out?
Thinking Machines Lab is still in stealth mode, meaning it hasn’t yet released a product or service to the public. Despite this, it is attracting immense attention — and funding — from top-tier investors. So, what’s behind the hype?
The answer lies in the talent behind the company. Apart from Mira Murati’s strong leadership, the startup boasts several high-profile AI researchers from the industry. Recent additions include Bob McGrew, former chief research officer at OpenAI, and Alec Radford, a key figure behind several of OpenAI’s transformative innovations.
This kind of talent pool gives the company a strong edge, making it one of the most closely watched names in the AI world today.
The Vision: Smarter, Customizable AI
Though specific product details are yet to be disclosed, Thinking Machines Lab has previously stated that its mission is to build AI systems that are more understandable, customizable, and generally more capable than current solutions in the market.
This focus on transparency and usability could make their AI models not only powerful but also practical for businesses and developers. As the demand for ethical and explainable AI grows, companies like Thinking Machines Lab could play a key role in reshaping how AI tools are developed and adopted worldwide.
Why This Matters for the Future of AI Startups
This record-setting AI startup funding round in 2025 sends a strong signal to the global tech industry — that the appetite for groundbreaking AI ideas is only growing stronger. Even in the absence of a product, if a company has the right team and a clear mission, investors are ready to back bold visions.
Moreover, this case also reflects a broader trend: AI is no longer just a niche technology but a central part of modern innovation strategies. Startups with deep expertise and strong leadership are becoming key players in shaping the AI tools of tomorrow.
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