In a historic moment for the AI industry, Thinking Machines Lab, founded by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, has raised an unprecedented $2 billion in a seed funding round, valuing the six-month-old startup at an astonishing $10 billion. This monumental investment, reported by multiple sources including the Financial Times, marks one of the largest seed rounds in history and underscores the explosive growth and investor confidence in AI innovation.
Launched in February 2025, Thinking Machines Lab is based in San Francisco and aims to revolutionize AI by making systems more customizable, widely understood, and generally capable. Murati, alongside a team of 41 founding members, including notable ex-OpenAI talents, is steering the company toward ambitious goals, with hints at advancing toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
The funding round, backed by prominent investors such as Andreessen Horowitz and Conviction Partners, reflects the high expectations for Murati’s vision. Initially targeting $1 billion, the startup doubled its goal to $2 billion, signaling strong market belief in its potential to redefine AI technology.
Industry experts note that this raise comes amidst a booming AI sector, even as economic uncertainties loom. Thinking Machines Lab’s valuation and funding success highlight the continued investor appetite for cutting-edge AI ventures, especially those led by proven leaders like Murati.
Adding to the buzz, recent reports suggest that tech giant Apple is in early discussions with Thinking Machines Lab for a potential acquisition or strategic partnership. While details remain speculative, such a move could further accelerate the startup’s growth and integration into mainstream tech ecosystems.
As Thinking Machines Lab continues to develop its offerings with no product yet unveiled, the AI community watches closely. This seed round not only sets a new benchmark for startup funding but also positions Murati’s venture as a frontrunner in shaping the future of intelligent systems.
Alfred Lee
