Former OpenAI Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew has officially joined Thinking Machines Lab. This AI startup was founded by Mira Murati, OpenAI’s former Chief Technology Officer. McGrew is now listed as an advisor on the company’s website. His addition marks another major move by Thinking Machines Lab as it quietly builds momentum.
What Is Thinking Machines Lab All About?
Thinking Machines Lab was founded in 2024 by Mira Murati, and it focuses on making AI more useful, transparent, and grounded in science. The company came out of stealth mode in February 2025 when Murati announced it on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Here’s what we know so far:
- Founder: Mira Murati
- Mission: To make AI more practical, understandable, and open
- Funding Goal: $1 billion
- Estimated Valuation: Around $9 billion
- Team Members: 38 and counting
Bob McGrew’s Role
Bob McGrew worked at OpenAI for eight years and helped shape the company’s research direction and growth. Last September, he stepped down and shared a farewell post on X a day after Murati left. He called his time at the company an “awe-inspiring journey.” He also said he needed a break after helping transition the research team.
Now, he’s back in the game. Though the exact date he joined Thinking Machines Lab isn’t clear, the Wayback Machine shows he appeared on the site in March 2025. His role as an advisor could help guide the company’s research and strategy.
A Team Built on OpenAI Experience
McGrew isn’t the only familiar face at Thinking Machines Lab. Alec Radford, known for his work on language models at OpenAI, is also listed as an advisor. The startup’s founding team includes 38 people, of whom 19 previously worked at OpenAI. Here are some key team members:
| Name | Role at Thinking Machines Lab | Previous Role at OpenAI |
| Mira Murati | Founder | Chief Technology Officer |
| John Schulman | Chief Scientist | Co-founder |
| Barret Zoph | Chief Technology Officer | Co-creator of ChatGPT |
| Bob McGrew | Advisor | Chief Research Officer |
| Alec Radford | Advisor | Researcher |
How It Compares to OpenAI
Thinking Machines Lab has clear ties to OpenAI. But it also wants to take a different path. It focuses more on openness, transparency, and hands-on applications. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | OpenAI | Thinking Machines Lab |
| Size | Large, well-established | Small but growing |
| Product Focus | ChatGPT, DALL·E, Codex | Not public yet |
| Research Style | Some open, some closed | Emphasis on open science |
| Mission | Broad AI advancement | Clear focus on usefulness and access |
| Team Composition | Diverse background | Many ex-OpenAI staff |
Also read: OpenAI Moves Closer to Becoming a For-Profit Company
