Thinking Machines Cofounder’s Office Relationship Preceded His Termination
Summary
Leaders at Mira Murati’s startup, Thinking Machines Lab, confronted cofounder and former CTO Barret Zoph last summer over an alleged workplace relationship with a senior employee in another department. WIRED reports that that confrontation likely relates to the “serious misconduct” previously cited in coverage of Zoph’s departure.
Following the discussion, Zoph’s working relationship with the cofounders deteriorated, he began exploring roles elsewhere, and was eventually hired by OpenAI. OpenAI says the hire had been in the works for weeks and that its hiring team did not share Thinking Machines’ ethical concerns. The story sits alongside wider departures from Thinking Machines and reported internal disagreements about the company’s direction and valuation ambitions.
Key Points
- Thinking Machines’ leaders confronted cofounder Barret Zoph about an alleged relationship with a senior employee in a different department.
- The relationship is likely the “serious misconduct” referenced in earlier reports about Zoph’s exit.
- After the confrontation, Zoph’s working relationship with other cofounders broke down and he started discussing roles with competitors.
- Zoph spoke with Meta Superintelligence Labs and was ultimately hired by OpenAI; OpenAI’s applications CEO said she didn’t share Thinking Machines’ concerns.
- Several other Thinking Machines researchers and cofounders have left for OpenAI or Meta, reflecting broader turmoil beyond this incident.
- The departures occur amid internal misalignment over the startup’s product direction and ambitious fundraising chatter that raised its reported potential valuation significantly.
Why should I read this?
Short version: office drama here has big industry ripple effects. If you follow AI talent moves, startup governance or how high-profile hires reshape the sector, this story gives you the who, why and what next — without you having to trawl through gossip threads. It’s a neat snapshot of how personal conduct, leadership tensions and recruitment can change the course of a hot AI startup.