Story perspectives

CEO Fires Co-Founder Amid Relationship Controversy at AI Startup

1/21/2026

38 8

Summary

Story summary

Mira Murati, the CEO of Thinking Machines Lab, fired co-founder Barret Zoph after a meeting where she raised concerns about his productivity and conduct tied to a relationship with a junior colleague.
Zoph initially denied the relationship.
Zoph later acknowledged it.
He claimed Murati fired him after learning he was negotiating with another company.
The startup, valued at $12 billion, has seen founder departures, highlighting challenges in retaining AI talent.

1 of 1

Story summary

Mira Murati, the CEO of Thinking Machines Lab, fired co-founder Barret Zoph after a meeting where she raised concerns about his productivity and conduct tied to a relationship with a junior colleague.
Zoph initially denied the relationship.
Zoph later acknowledged it.
He claimed Murati fired him after learning he was negotiating with another company.
The startup, valued at $12 billion, has seen founder departures, highlighting challenges in retaining AI talent.