**Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati Launches New AI Venture, Seeks Over $100 Million in Funding**

Mira Murati, who recently stepped down as CTO of OpenAI, is in the process of raising venture capital to support a new AI startup, according to sources from Reuters. This enterprise aims to develop cutting-edge AI products founded on proprietary models, with funding expectations exceeding $100 million in this initial round.

Upon her resignation last month, Murati reflected on OpenAI's achievements, noting significant advancements in how AI systems can learn and solve complex issues. While she highlighted her desire to engage in new explorative initiatives, she did not disclose specific plans at the time. Murati's departure marks her intention to carve out ample space and time for her personal endeavors in the AI sector.

Murati's career trajectory includes roles at Tesla and Leap Motion before her tenure at OpenAI, which began in 2018 as VP of Applied AI and Partnerships. She ascended to the role of CTO in 2022 and even briefly served as interim CEO during co-founder Sam Altman's temporary ouster.

Her resignation is part of a broader exodus of top executives from OpenAI, with the chief research officer and research VP also departing shortly after her announcement. This wave of exits curiously coincides with OpenAI securing $6.6 billion in what is reported to be the largest venture capital round in history.