Meta is aggressively trying to build its superintelligence team, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is offering massive pay packages to top AI researchers. Meta has recently approached employees from OpenAI and Google DeepMind. Some offers included signing bonuses worth more than $100 million.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has confirmed the reports on a podcast hosted by his brother, Jack Altman. He revealed that Meta made big offers to many OpenAI team members. “They started making giant offers, like $100 million signing bonuses, even more than that in total comp per year,” Altman said.
OpenAI CEO claims that none of the company’s top talent has accepted offers. “I’m really happy that, at least so far, none of our best people have taken them up,” he said. The loyalty of OpenAI’s core team appears strong, even in the face of huge payouts.
Altman believes his company’s mission-driven culture gives it an edge. He said employees weigh both paths and see OpenAI as more likely to succeed. “OpenAI has a better shot at superintelligence and may even be the more valuable company,” he added.
He also criticized Meta’s approach to hiring. Altman said giving huge guaranteed pay isn’t the best way to build culture. “That strategy won’t create a great team environment,” he warned.
Altman did acknowledge that he respects some things about Meta. Although he was critical of its innovation. “I don’t think they’re great at innovation,” he said, suggesting Meta lacks the vision that OpenAI values.
This incident highlights how competitive the AI talent market has become. Top researchers are receiving record-breaking offers. However, as Altman suggests, purpose and belief in the mission may still be more powerful than money.
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