Ilya Sutskever to Lead Safe Superintelligence After CEO Exit
▼ Summary
– Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI co-founder, is stepping into the CEO role at Safe Superintelligence (SSI), replacing departing co-founder and CEO Daniel Gross as of June 29.
– Reports indicate Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg attempted to acquire SSI (valued at $32 billion) and hire Gross, but SSI remains focused on its mission of building safe superintelligence.
– SSI describes itself as the world’s first dedicated “straight-shot SSI lab,” solely focused on developing safe superintelligence without other products or ambitions.
– Daniel Gross’s departure raises questions, as he may join Meta, where Zuckerberg is assembling a top AI team with researchers from OpenAI and Google DeepMind.
– Sutskever faces new challenges as CEO, including fundraising and talent recruitment, while continuing to oversee SSI’s technical team.
Ilya Sutskever has officially taken the helm as CEO of Safe Superintelligence, the artificial intelligence startup he co-founded in 2024. The announcement came via a social media post where Sutskever confirmed the departure of Daniel Gross, the company’s former CEO and fellow co-founder, effective June 29. Daniel Levy, another co-founder, will now serve as president, marking a significant leadership shift for the ambitious AI venture.
Recent reports had linked Gross to advanced discussions with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who allegedly sought to acquire Safe Superintelligence outright, a company valued at $32 billion in its latest funding round. Addressing speculation, Sutskever emphasized the startup’s unwavering focus: “We are flattered by the attention but remain committed to our mission of building safe superintelligence. We have the resources, the team, and the vision to see this through.”
Gross’s exit raises inevitable questions. If Safe Superintelligence is truly on the verge of a breakthrough, why would a key architect step away? The company’s unique positioning as the “first straight-shot SSI lab”, dedicated solely to developing safe superintelligence, sets it apart from competitors with broader product portfolios. Sutskever launched the venture shortly after his high-profile departure from OpenAI, where he was instrumental in the temporary removal of CEO Sam Altman.
Meanwhile, Meta appears to be assembling a formidable AI division, with Zuckerberg reportedly recruiting top talent from OpenAI and Google DeepMind. Gross, who previously led AI initiatives at Apple, could find a more conventional role at Meta, aligning with the social media giant’s expansive product ecosystem.
For Sutskever, the transition to CEO brings fresh challenges, including securing funding and attracting elite researchers. In his statement, he reaffirmed his hands-on involvement with the technical team, signaling a dual focus on leadership and innovation. As the AI race intensifies, Safe Superintelligence’s single-minded approach could either set it apart or test its resilience in a fiercely competitive landscape.
(Source: TechCrunch)
