• Australian AI expert Andrew Tulloch rejected a $1 billion offer from Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg.
• Tulloch co-founded Thinking Machines Lab, now valued at $12 billion, focused on safer, customizable AI.
• Meta’s aggressive talent raids failed as Tulloch and team remain committed to ethical AI development.

The Aussie AI Whiz Who Said No to a Billion-Dollar Payday from Mark Zuckerberg

In a world where tech giants often woo rising stars with dazzling offers, one Australian has made headlines by turning down a jaw-dropping billion-dollar deal from none other than Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta. Andrew Tulloch, a brilliant mind in artificial intelligence, has chosen a path less traveled—one that puts innovation and independence above the allure of a massive paycheck.

Born and raised in Perth, Tulloch’s journey from a top student to an AI trailblazer is nothing short of remarkable. After scoring an extraordinary ATAR of 99.95 and graduating with first-class honours and the university medal in mathematics from the University of Sydney, he went on to earn a master’s degree in mathematical statistics and machine learning from the University of Cambridge. Before plunging into the tech world, he even spent time at Goldman Sachs as a quant, sharpening his analytical skills. But it’s in AI where he truly made his mark.

From Facebook Engineer to AI Startup Visionary

Tulloch’s career took a significant leap when he moved to the United States in 2012 to join Facebook’s AI division. Over the course of 11 years, he climbed the ranks to become a distinguished engineer, known internally as a “genius” by peers and executives alike. Former Facebook executive Mike Vernal described him as “definitely an extreme genius,” a testament to his exceptional technical prowess and leadership.

In 2023, Tulloch left Facebook’s parent company to join OpenAI, the research organization behind the revolutionary ChatGPT. Then, just this February, he co-founded a new AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab, alongside Mira Murati, OpenAI’s former chief technology officer. The company has quickly attracted attention, not just for its star-studded leadership but for its ambitious mission: making AI systems more understandable, customizable, and powerful.

Zuckerberg’s Billion-Dollar Attempt to Buy and Poach

The story took a dramatic turn earlier this year when reports emerged that Mark Zuckerberg tried to acquire Thinking Machines Lab outright. According to the Wall Street Journal, the offer was substantial, but Murati declined. Undeterred, Zuckerberg shifted tactics and tried to lure away top talent from the startup, including Tulloch himself.

What happened next stunned the tech world. Tulloch was reportedly offered a staggering $1 billion package spread over six years, with the potential for even greater earnings through bonuses and stock options. This offer wasn’t just generous—it was a clear signal of how much Meta valued his skills and leadership.

Yet, in a move that surprised many, Tulloch said no. Meta later called the billion-dollar figure “inaccurate and ridiculous,” but industry insiders suggest it was very real, if not exactly in that form.

Why Walk Away from a Billion Dollars?

The reasons behind Tulloch’s refusal shed light on a deeper, more principled side of the AI expert. Those close to the startup emphasize that Tulloch and his colleagues are committed to building safer, more transparent AI technology. Thinking Machines Lab is not just chasing profits; it’s on a mission to develop AI that can interpret text, speech, and visuals in real time, and to do so in a way that users can understand and customize.

This commitment resonates strongly in the current tech climate, where concerns about AI’s impact on privacy, jobs, and society at large grow louder. Tulloch and his team seem to be taking the high road—focusing on ethics and openness rather than simply chasing money or corporate power.

A Startup Valued at \$12 Billion and Growing

Thinking Machines Lab’s rapid rise is impressive. In a matter of months, the 50-person company raised $2 billion in seed funding, catapulting its valuation to an eye-watering $12 billion. The firm’s backers include some of Silicon Valley’s biggest names, like Andreessen Horowitz, Accel, and Jane Street, alongside tech titans Nvidia, AMD, and Cisco. Even the Albanian government reportedly invested \$10 million.

Besides Tulloch and Murati, the startup boasts key talent such as John Schulman, an OpenAI co-founder, and Lilian Weng, a leading safety researcher. Together, they are shaping the future of AI with a focus on transparency and collaboration, aiming to open-source parts of their technology to invite wider innovation.

The Public and Industry Reaction

The public response to Tulloch’s refusal has been a mix of admiration and disbelief. Many see his decision as a rare stand for integrity in an industry often dominated by money and corporate warfare. For some, it raises questions about what truly motivates the brightest minds in tech—money, power, or the chance to shape the future responsibly?

On the flip side, Zuckerberg’s aggressive talent raids have drawn criticism. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman disclosed that Meta once dangled $100 million bonuses to poach his staff, but so far, these offers have failed. Meta’s aggressive attempts underscore the fierce competition to secure AI talent, fueling a broader debate about the ethics of “talent raids” and the monopolistic tendencies of tech giants.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for AI

Andrew Tulloch’s bold choice to reject Meta’s billion-dollar offer signals more than just a personal career decision—it marks a turning point in the tech industry’s AI race. It highlights the increasing importance of values like transparency, safety, and user empowerment in AI development.

As Thinking Machines Lab pushes forward, the company’s mission to democratize and demystify AI might set a new standard. By refusing to be swallowed by a tech giant and sticking to a vision of open, customizable AI, Tulloch and his team could inspire a wave of innovation rooted in responsibility rather than pure profit.

With the startup already backed by Silicon Valley’s elite and boasting a multibillion-dollar valuation, all eyes are on Tulloch’s team. Can they deliver on their promise to create AI systems that are not only powerful but also safe and understandable? For now, one thing is clear: this young Australian is rewriting the rules of the game—and he’s doing it on his own terms.

From Perth to the Heart of Silicon Valley

Andrew Tulloch’s story is a testament to Australian talent making waves on the global stage. From excelling at Christ Church Grammar in Claremont, Western Australia, to achieving the highest GPA in the Faculty of Science at Sydney University, and then mastering complex AI systems in the US, his path is inspiring.

Now based in San Francisco, Tulloch stands at the forefront of AI innovation. His journey reminds us that brilliance, when paired with conviction and a clear sense of purpose, can challenge even the most powerful forces in tech—and sometimes, say no to a billion dollars.