News

Meta Eyes Safe Superintelligence CEO

Source: techcrunch.com

Published on June 21, 2025

Updated on June 21, 2025

Mark Zuckerberg pursuing AI talent for Meta

Meta Eyes Safe Superintelligence CEO in AI Talent Push

Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta is aggressively pursuing AI talent, with recent attempts to acquire Safe Superintelligence, the $32 billion AI startup co-founded by Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI’s former chief scientist. According to CNBC, Sutskever declined Meta’s acquisition offer, but discussions are ongoing to hire Safe Superintelligence’s co-founder and CEO, Daniel Gross.

The move highlights Meta’s strategic focus on bolstering its AI capabilities. Earlier this week, The Information reported that Meta was considering hiring both Gross and former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman. Additionally, Meta is exploring the possibility of acquiring a stake in NFDG, a joint venture firm founded by Friedman and Gross, which has invested in AI startups like Perplexity and Character.AI.

Gross and Friedman bring significant experience in managing and investing in AI research labs, making them valuable assets for Meta’s AI superintelligence initiatives. Their expertise could play a pivotal role in advancing Meta’s AI development, particularly in the realm of superintelligence.

In a related development, Meta announced earlier this month that Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang and several executives from the data labeling startup would be joining the company. This further underscores Meta’s commitment to strengthening its AI talent pool and pushing the boundaries of AI innovation.

Strategic Moves in the AI Landscape

Meta’s pursuit of AI talent is part of a broader strategy to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. By acquiring key figures like Gross and Friedman, Meta aims to enhance its AI research capabilities and drive innovation in areas such as superintelligence and machine learning.

The potential acquisition of a stake in NFDG aligns with this strategy, as it would provide Meta with access to a portfolio of cutting-edge AI startups. This move could position Meta as a major player in the AI investment ecosystem, fostering collaboration and innovation across the industry.

Future Implications

As Meta continues to invest in AI talent and technology, the company is poised to make significant advancements in AI research and development. The addition of experienced leaders like Gross, Friedman, and Wang could accelerate Meta’s progress in AI superintelligence, potentially leading to groundbreaking developments in the field.

Industry experts anticipate that Meta’s focus on AI will not only benefit the company but also contribute to the broader AI community. By attracting top talent and investing in innovative startups, Meta is setting the stage for a future where AI plays a transformative role in various industries.