OpenAI Co-Founder John Schulman Joins Rival AI Startup Anthropic

John Schulman, a co-founder of OpenAI, has left the company to join rival AI startup Anthropic. A spokesperson for OpenAI expressed gratitude for Schulman’s contributions, stating, “We’re grateful for John’s contributions as a founding team member at OpenAI and his dedicated efforts in advancing alignment research. His passion and hard work have established a strong foundation that will inspire and support future innovations at OpenAI and the broader field.”

Schulman also announced his decision on X, saying, “I’ve decided to pursue this goal at Anthropic, where I believe I can gain new perspectives and do research alongside people deeply engaged with the topics I’m most interested in. I am confident that OpenAI and the teams I was part of will continue to thrive without me.”

In related news, OpenAI’s president and co-founder, Greg Brockman, is taking an extended leave through the end of the year to “relax and recharge” after nine years at the company, OpenAI confirmed.