Ilya Sutskever, co-founder and former chief scientist of OpenAI, has officially stepped into the role of CEO at Safe Superintelligence (SSI), the AI startup he helped launch last year. The move comes after Meta successfully recruited Daniel Gross—SSI’s former CEO—to lead its new AI products division, intensifying the high-stakes competition for top-tier AI talent.
Meta reportedly made an offer to acquire SSI outright and bring Sutskever on board, but the pitch was turned down. Instead, Meta secured Gross and fellow SSI co-founder Nat Friedman, as part of its broader strategy to build a “Superintelligence Labs” unit aimed at becoming a global AI powerhouse.
Valued at $32 billion, SSI is focused on building superintelligent AI systems that prioritize safety, reliability, and ethical alignment. The startup has raised $1 billion in funding and maintains that its mission remains independent despite growing interest from tech giants eager to consolidate AI leadership.
Sutskever’s promotion to CEO signals a tightening grip on SSI’s strategic direction at a critical moment. Daniel Levy, previously involved in the company’s executive team, has been elevated to president, helping to stabilize leadership as the organization enters a new phase of development.
Meta’s aggressive push into the AI sector includes heavy investments like its recent $14.3 billion stake in Scale AI and generous compensation offers, often referred to in industry circles as “Zuck Bucks,” to attract top researchers. The company has already lured several figures from OpenAI and other labs, reshaping the competitive landscape.
For SSI, retaining independence and top talent will be crucial. As the race for superintelligent AI intensifies, the firms best equipped to manage both innovation and governance will shape the next chapter of the industry. With Sutskever now leading from the front, SSI is positioning itself to be more than just a research lab, it’s aiming to be a defining force in the safe evolution of AI.
