Meta Platforms Inc. has made a significant move in its quest to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities by hiring Andrew Tulloch, the co-founder of Thinking Machines Lab, an AI startup led by Mira Murati. This recruitment further underscores CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s determined efforts to progress in the competitive landscape of advanced AI technologies.
Tulloch’s decision to join Meta comes after the company extended a remarkable compensation package, potentially worth up to $1.5 billion over a span of at least six years. This package includes not only a substantial base salary but also performance bonuses and stock incentives, according to reports by the Wall Street Journal.
His departure from Thinking Machines Lab, confirmed by a spokesperson from the organization, was attributed to personal reasons as he opts for a different path. Interestingly, this hiring follows Meta’s initial attempt to acquire Murati’s startup, which was unsuccessful. Following this, Zuckerberg reportedly reached out to over a dozen employees, including Tulloch, to lure them to Meta’s ranks.
The tech giant’s aggressive hiring strategy is notable, as Zuckerberg actively courts top talent from various rival firms, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google’s DeepMind. The recruitment is part of a broader effort to bolster Meta’s AI division, with reports indicating that the company has offered enticing bonuses of up to $100 million to entice certain staff to switch companies.
Industry sentiments highlight the challenges faced by founders and their commitment to their ventures. Yun-Ta Tsai, a senior staff engineer at Tesla and a former Nokia researcher, shared insights on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that working for a founder is rare, especially one willing to risk their personal fortune for the success of their company.
This development in Meta’s strategy reflects a larger trend within the tech industry, where companies are fiercely competing to attract top-tier AI talent to stay ahead of the curve in technology innovation. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, Meta’s investments and strategic hires could play a critical role in shaping its future capabilities.