Meta’s attempt to lure OpenAI’s top talent with massive pay packages has failed, according to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Speaking on the “Uncapped with Jack Altman” podcast, Sam Altman revealed that Meta offered some OpenAI employees more than $100 million in salary and bonuses in a bid to poach them.
Meta’s $100M Strategy to Poach OpenAI Staff Falls Flat
In the interview, Altman said, “It is crazy. I’m really happy that at least so far none of our best people have decided to take them up on that.” He also described Meta’s approach as offering “giant” annual compensation packages, but insisted it wasn’t enough to break OpenAI’s core team.
The Facebook parent company reportedly targeted “a lot of people on our team,” according to Altman. Despite Meta’s high offers, he said the strategy doesn’t align with a strong work culture.
“I think the strategy of a ton of upfront guaranteed comp and that being the reason you tell someone to join… I don’t think that’s going to set up a great culture,” Altman explained.
Meta’s $100M Offers No Match for OpenAI’s Loyalty
While Meta has yet to comment on the claim, its spending spree in the AI space has been making headlines. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has pledged at least $60 billion toward AI research this year alone. Last week, Meta struck a deal with Scale AI reportedly worth over $10 billion, adding to its high-profile investments. Scale AI’s CEO Alexandr Wang is expected to join Meta’s AI initiatives, particularly in its superintelligence projects.
Still, Altman maintained confidence in his team and company. “OpenAI has a much better shot at delivering on superintelligence,” he said, adding that while he respects Meta, “I don’t think they’re a company that’s great at innovation.”
Meta’s $100M Offers Fail to Lure OpenAI Talent
Meta’s failed attempt to poach OpenAI’s best minds despite offering $100 million packages reveals the deeper loyalty and belief OpenAI employees hold in their mission. For now, Meta’s massive spending hasn’t shaken the foundations of its biggest rival.
