Artificial intelligence and funding headlines collided again this week, as Mira Murati’s AI startup Thinking Machines secured a whopping $2 billion in early-stage funding. The young startup, launched in February, has now been valued at $12 billion—all before releasing a single product. This funding frenzy not only highlights the industry’s unshakable faith in Murati’s vision but also reinforces the intense momentum behind new AI companies.
A Star-Studded Investor Lineup
Leading the round was top venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, joined by a power-packed lineup including Nvidia, Accel, AMD, Cisco, ServiceNow, and Jane Street. That’s not just deep pockets—it’s strategic muscle.
Despite the startup being only months old and generating no revenue, investors clearly believe Murati is onto something transformative. Her ability to attract heavy-hitters speaks volumes about her track record and the team she’s assembled.
From OpenAI to Thinking Machines: Murati’s Bold Leap
Murati, once Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, made headlines last September when she exited the ChatGPT creator under sudden circumstances. Rather than disappear from the spotlight, she launched Thinking Machines, bringing nearly two-thirds of her initial team from OpenAI.
And she’s not alone. Murati joins a growing circle of former OpenAI executives venturing into the startup world. Think Dario Amodei’s Anthropic and Ilya Sutskever’s Safe Superintelligence—two companies that have already secured billions and drawn talent from AI’s top labs.
What’s Next for Thinking Machines?
In a social media post, Murati shared that the startup’s first product will debut in the coming months. While details remain under wraps, she hinted at a significant open-source component designed to support both researchers and emerging AI companies building custom models.
The focus? Building AI systems that are safer, more reliable, and capable of powering a wider range of applications than current competitors. It’s a big promise—but Murati’s track record suggests she might deliver.
AI Funding Frenzy: A Bigger Trend
Thinking Machines’ blockbuster round mirrors a broader trend. According to Pitchbook, U.S. startup funding soared 76% in the first half of 2025, reaching $162.8 billion. A staggering 64.1% of that was AI-focused. That’s not just a trend—it’s a tidal wave.
While some investors worry about overexuberance in tech, the appetite for early-stage AI remains insatiable. With industry veterans like Murati leading the charge, investors are clearly betting on experience and execution over short-term revenue.
A Talent War That’s Just Getting Started
This funding wave also points to another key development: a talent war in AI. The top minds in artificial intelligence are increasingly starting their own ventures, pulling both funding and fellow researchers away from the giants they once helped build.
Thinking Machines, with its OpenAI roots and $12B valuation, is now one of the boldest players in this new landscape. Whether its first product can match the hype remains to be seen—but the world, and the market, will be watching closely.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more deep dives into the future of tech and innovation.
