Andrew Tulloch, an esteemed Australian computer scientist and machine learning expert, gained attention after rejecting a $1.5 billion offer from Mark Zuckerberg to return to Meta. Previously an engineer at OpenAI, Tulloch is now the co-founder of Thinking Machines Lab, valued at $12 billion, alongside ex-OpenAI CTO Mira Murati. His decision reflects a growing trend among top AI talent prioritizing independence and meaningful work over lucrative financial incentives. Educated at the University of Sydney and Cambridge, Tulloch has a rich background in mathematics and machine learning, having contributed significantly to Meta’s projects before focusing on AI safety and interpretability at Thinking Machines Lab. This startup, which raised $2 billion in seed funding from major investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Google Cloud, aims to develop advanced AI systems beyond traditional chatbots. Tulloch’s viral rejection of Meta’s recruitment efforts has highlighted a commitment to principles over profit, inspiring many in the tech community.
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