Thinking Machines Lab raises $2B seed at $12B valuation, largest ever for female-led startup

Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab has secured a historic $2 billion seed round at a $12 billion valuation, marking the largest seed financing in venture capital history. The round, led by investors including Accel, AMD, Cisco, Nvidia, and ServiceNow, underscores the growing recognition of AI’s potential to address global challenges such as climate change and disease eradication [1]. Murati, a former CTO of OpenAI and co-creator of ChatGPT, has leveraged her expertise to build a team of top talent, positioning the startup to challenge established players like Anthropic and Google in the AI race.

The funding’s significance extends beyond its size, as it highlights persistent gender disparities in venture capital. In 2024, startups with at least one female founder raised $38 billion, but women-led teams accounted for just 2.1% of total VC dollars—a $3.7 billion sum across approximately 800 deals. This gap underscores systemic barriers female founders face, despite data showing their efficiency in capital deployment. According to a report from the Female Founders Fund and Inc., women-founded startups generated $0.78 in revenue per $1 raised compared to $0.31 for male-led ventures and contributed to 24% of all exits [1]. Murati’s round not only defies these trends but also redefines what is possible when capital aligns with visionary leadership.

Thinking Machines Lab’s strategy emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, aiming to integrate AI with insights from science, policy, and other fields before systems become too complex to manage. The company seeks to foster ethical innovations by engaging experts outside the AI industry, a model that could enhance the scalability of solutions to global problems. However, the late entry into the AI race necessitates heavy investment in computational resources and talent, both of which the seed round aims to secure. The involvement of high-profile investors validates the venture’s potential, with a $12 billion valuation reflecting confidence in its long-term trajectory [1].

Murati’s success carries broader implications for gender equity in technology. By securing unprecedented capital for a female-led startup, she demonstrates that systemic biases can be overcome through strategic vision and resilience. The achievement also serves as a catalyst for other women seeking to enter male-dominated sectors, proving that “impossible” feats are attainable with the right resources and determination. As the AI landscape evolves, diverse perspectives like Murati’s are critical to addressing global challenges and ensuring equitable progress.

The seed round’s impact extends beyond financial metrics, reshaping narratives around leadership in technological innovation. With a focus on open collaboration and interdisciplinary problem-solving, Thinking Machines Lab positions itself as a counterpoint to siloed AI development. This approach not only enhances the company’s research capabilities but also aligns with broader societal goals, such as fostering inclusivity in STEM fields. Murati’s journey—from co-founding a generative AI revolution to building a new lab with a $2 billion war chest—highlights the intersection of personal ambition and collective advancement.

Sources:

[1] [Mira Murati's $2 billion seed round inspires female founders] [https://fortune.com/2025/07/28/mira-murati-2-billion-seed-round-thinking-machines-lab-openai-female-founders/]