Thinking Machines Lab, a new AI venture founded by former OpenAI Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati, has secured two prominent advisors: Bob McGrew, previously OpenAI's chief research officer, and Alec Radford, a former OpenAI researcher behind several transformative innovations. The additions were quietly announced on the startup's website in March, with no official comment from the company.

Bob McGrew, who joined OpenAI in 2017, held various leadership roles, including VP of research and chief research officer, before leaving in September 2024. At the time, he stated his intention to take a break. McGrew's expertise in AI research will undoubtedly be valuable to Thinking Machines Lab as it shapes its research agenda and product roadmap.

Alec Radford, who departed OpenAI late last year, is a renowned researcher in the AI community. As the lead author of OpenAI's seminal research paper on generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs), Radford played a crucial role in developing the technology that underpins OpenAI's popular products, including ChatGPT. His contributions to the GPT series, Whisper, and DALL-E will likely inform his advisory role at Thinking Machines Lab.

Thinking Machines Lab has remained vague about its specific research focus and product plans, but in a February announcement, the startup outlined its mission to create AI systems that are more widely understood, customizable, and capable than current offerings. The company aims to build tooling that caters to individuals' unique needs and goals, a vision that aligns with Murati's experience in developing AI-powered products at OpenAI.

Murati, who left OpenAI in October after six years, brings a wealth of experience to Thinking Machines Lab. As OpenAI's CTO, she oversaw the development of ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Codex, which powered early versions of GitHub's Copilot programming assistant. Her leadership, combined with the expertise of her advisors, positions Thinking Machines Lab as a promising player in the AI research landscape.

The startup has assembled a team of dozens of employees from top AI labs, including OpenAI and Google DeepMind. Reports suggest that Murati was in talks to raise over $100 million from unnamed venture capital firms, a testament to the confidence investors have in her vision for Thinking Machines Lab.

The addition of McGrew and Radford as advisors bolsters Thinking Machines Lab's credibility and expertise in AI research. As the company continues to develop its research agenda and product roadmap, it will be interesting to see how these prominent advisors contribute to its growth and innovation. With its strong team and ambitious mission, Thinking Machines Lab is poised to make a significant impact in the AI industry.

In the broader context, the emergence of Thinking Machines Lab highlights the ongoing talent shift in the AI industry. As top researchers and executives move between companies, they bring their expertise and vision to new ventures, driving innovation and progress in the field. As AI continues to transform industries and societies, the work of companies like Thinking Machines Lab will be crucial in shaping its future.