TL;DR
Thinking Machines Lab cofounders Barret Zoph and Luke Metz are leaving the startup to rejoin OpenAI, according to a staff memo shared by OpenAI’s applications chief, Fidji Simo. Wired describes the move as a setback for the fledgling lab and notes that two competing narratives about what happened are already emerging.
What happened
Two prominent founders of Thinking Machines Lab, Barret Zoph and Luke Metz, have left the startup and will rejoin OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. OpenAI’s chief of applications, Fidji Simo, communicated the returns in an internal memo distributed to staff on Thursday, according to reporting. Wired characterized the departures as a blow to the young lab and said that two narratives are circulating about the circumstances, though the report does not detail those narratives. The news was published by Wired on Jan. 14, 2026. The account identifies Thinking Machines Lab as a fledgling AI research effort but does not provide a timeline for the transitions, specific roles the two will take at OpenAI upon their return, or comment from the departing cofounders in the published piece.
Why it matters
- High-profile departures can affect the momentum and public perception of a new AI lab, and Wired framed this development as a blow to Thinking Machines Lab.
- Movement of senior talent back to a large AI firm underscores ongoing competition for experienced researchers and engineers in the field.
- For OpenAI, re‑acquiring founders from an external lab may signal continued consolidation of people and expertise inside major AI companies.
- The episode highlights unanswered questions about the stability and trajectory of small, founder-led AI startups amid aggressive hiring by larger firms.
Key facts
- Barret Zoph and Luke Metz, cofounders of Thinking Machines Lab, are leaving the company.
- Both are rejoining OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, per the report.
- OpenAI’s CEO of applications, Fidji Simo, shared the news in a memo to staff on Thursday.
- Wired described the departures as a blow to the fledgling Thinking Machines Lab.
- The Wired story was published on Jan. 14, 2026, and authored by Maxwell Zeff.
- The report states that two narratives about the departures are already emerging but does not elaborate on them.
- The article does not include direct quotes from the departing cofounders in the provided excerpt.
What to watch next
- Whether Thinking Machines Lab will announce leadership changes or replacements for the departing cofounders — not confirmed in the source.
- If OpenAI specifies roles, responsibilities, or start dates for Zoph and Metz after their return — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether additional staff moves will follow between small AI startups and major firms — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Cofounder: An individual who, together with one or more people, establishes a company or organization.
- AI lab: An organization or research group focused on developing artificial intelligence models, tools, or technologies.
- Memo to staff: An internal written communication distributed within an organization to inform employees about decisions, announcements, or updates.
- OpenAI: An artificial intelligence company known for developing large language models and products such as ChatGPT.
Reader FAQ
Who left Thinking Machines Lab?
Barret Zoph and Luke Metz.
Where are they going?
They are rejoining OpenAI.
Why did they leave the startup?
not confirmed in the source
Did the report include statements from Thinking Machines Lab or the two cofounders?
The provided excerpt does not include such statements; not confirmed in the source.
When was this reported?
Wired published the story on Jan. 14, 2026.
MAXWELL ZEFF BUSINESS JAN 14, 2026 7:40 PM Two Thinking Machines Lab Cofounders Are Leaving to Rejoin OpenAI The news is a blow for Thinking Machines Lab. Two narratives are…
Sources
- Two Thinking Machines Lab Cofounders Are Leaving to Rejoin OpenAI
- Meta Recruits Thinking Machines Co-founder to Join Their …
- Thinking Machines Lab Co-Founder Departs for Meta
- Thinking Machines Lab Co-founder Joins Meta After $1.5B …
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