OpenAI Responds to Meta’s AI Talent Poaching

OpenAI’s scrambling as Meta keeps poaching its top researchers—at least eight have left in the past few weeks, and inside OpenAI, nerves are frayed. Mark Chen, the Chief Research Officer, didn’t sugarcoat it in a memo: “I feel a visceral feeling right now, as if someone has broken into our home and stolen something.” He tried to reassure the team, saying, “Please trust that we haven’t been sitting idly by.”

Meta, meanwhile, is on a hiring blitz—$14.3 billion invested in Scale AI, Alexandr Wang brought in to lead a new “superintelligence” division, and wild rumors about $100 million signing bonuses. Both sides say those numbers are exaggerated, but the talk alone shows how fierce the fight is.

OpenAI isn’t just watching this happen. Chen says they’re “recalibrating comp” and “scoping out creative ways to recognise and reward top talent.” But he’s clear: “While I’ll fight to keep every one of you, I won’t do so at the price of fairness to others.” It’s a tough spot—how do you keep your stars without losing the rest?

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, has called Meta’s offers “giant,” but insists “none of our best people have left.” Some who did leave call the $100 million stories “fake news.” Still, the pressure is real. Losing even a few top engineers can slow projects and shake morale, and with AI moving so fast, every brain matters.

Right now, OpenAI is betting that a mix of fair pay and a strong mission will keep its team together. But if the past is any guide, this talent war is nowhere near finished.