Perth-Born Genius Turns Down $1 Billion from Meta.

The story of Andrew Tulloch, a Perth-raised artificial intelligence (AI) expert, turning down a reported $1 billion offer from Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg is a fascinating case study in career decision-making, the AI industry’s competitive landscape, and the motivations driving top talent in technology. Below, we explore the background, context, and potential reasons behind Tulloch’s decision, while also shedding light on the broader implications for the AI sector and individual career choices.

Who is Andrew Tulloch?

Educational Background and Early Achievements
Andrew Tulloch, a graduate of the University of Sydney, grew up in Perth, Western Australia. His academic journey is marked by exceptional achievements:

• High School Excellence: As vice captain at Christ Church Grammar in Claremont, Tulloch achieved an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 99.95 in 2007, placing him among the top 0.05% of students in Australia.
• University Success: He graduated from the University of Sydney in 2011 with first-class honours and the university medal in mathematics, earning the highest GPA in the Faculty of Science.
• Advanced Studies: Tulloch pursued a master’s degree in mathematical statistics and machine learning at the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s leading institutions. During this time, he worked as a quantitative analyst (quant) at Goldman Sachs, showcasing his ability to apply mathematical rigor to real-world problems.

Professional Journey
Tulloch’s career in AI began in 2012 when he joined Facebook (now Meta) in the United States, where he spent 11 years and rose to the role of distinguished engineer. His work at Meta focused on advancing AI technologies, earning him a reputation as an “extreme genius,” as noted by former colleague Mike Vernal. In 2023, Tulloch transitioned to OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, before co-founding Thinking Machines Lab in February 2025 with Mira Murati, OpenAI’s former chief technology officer.

The $1 Billion Offer from Meta

According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, Mark Zuckerberg attempted to acquire Thinking Machines Lab, a new AI startup co-founded by Tulloch and Murati, earlier in 2025. When the acquisition was rejected by Murati, Zuckerberg reportedly turned his attention to recruiting the company’s top talent, including Tulloch. The alleged offer to Tulloch was a staggering $1 billion (A$1.55 billion) compensation package, spread over six years, with additional potential earnings through bonuses and stock performance.

Meta, however, disputed the reported figure, calling it “inaccurate and ridiculous.” Regardless of the exact amount, the offer underscores the intense competition for top AI talent, as companies like Meta, OpenAI, and others race to dominate the rapidly evolving AI industry.

Why Did Tulloch Reject the Offer?

While Tulloch’s specific reasons for rejecting Meta’s offer have not been publicly detailed, several factors likely influenced his decision. These can be analyzed through the lens of personal, professional, and industry-wide considerations:

1. Alignment with Thinking Machines Lab’s Mission
   Thinking Machines Lab, co-founded by Tulloch and Murati, aims to create “AI systems that are more widely understood, customizable, and generally capable.” This mission suggests a focus on advancing AI in a way that prioritizes accessibility, flexibility, and broad societal impact. Tulloch may have felt a stronger alignment with this vision compared to Meta’s goals, which are more centered on integrating AI into its social media and metaverse ecosystems. Staying with Thinking Machines Lab allows Tulloch to shape the direction of a startup with significant potential, currently valued at $12 billion (A$18.5 billion).
2. Entrepreneurial Freedom and Impact
   As a co-founder of Thinking Machines Lab, Tulloch has a unique opportunity to build and lead a company from the ground up. This role offers greater autonomy, creative control, and the chance to leave a lasting legacy in the AI field, compared to returning to Meta, where he would likely be one of many engineers, albeit a highly valued one. The entrepreneurial drive to innovate and take risks may have outweighed the financial security of Meta’s offer.
3. Cultural and Strategic Differences
   Tulloch’s experience at OpenAI, known for its research-driven approach to AI, and his decision to co-found Thinking Machines Lab suggest a preference for environments that prioritize cutting-edge research and development over commercial applications. Meta, while a leader in AI, has faced criticism for its focus on monetizing AI within its platforms, which may not align with Tulloch’s vision for advancing AI technologies.
4. Financial Considerations
   Although $1 billion is an extraordinary sum, Tulloch’s stake in Thinking Machines Lab, valued at $12 billion, likely represents significant financial upside. If the startup continues to grow or is acquired in the future, his equity could yield returns comparable to or exceeding Meta’s offer. Additionally, the reported $1 billion package was spread over six years and tied to stock performance, introducing some uncertainty compared to the immediate value of his current role.
5. Loyalty and Team Dynamics
   Tulloch’s decision to co-found Thinking Machines Lab with Mira Murati and other former OpenAI colleagues suggests strong professional relationships and shared goals. Leaving the startup so soon after its formation could disrupt the team’s momentum and signal a lack of commitment to their collective vision. Staying with the team may reflect Tulloch’s loyalty and belief in their potential to succeed together.
6. Industry Trends and Meta’s Reputation
   The AI industry is highly competitive, with companies aggressively recruiting top talent. Zuckerberg’s history of offering large bonuses to poach employees, as noted by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, may have raised concerns for Tulloch about Meta’s corporate culture or long-term strategy. Additionally, Meta’s pivot toward the metaverse and its mixed track record on privacy and public perception may have made the company less appealing compared to the mission-driven focus of Thinking Machines Lab.

The Broader Context: The AI Talent War

Tulloch’s decision is emblematic of the intense competition for AI talent in 2025. The AI industry is experiencing exponential growth, with applications ranging from natural language processing (e.g., ChatGPT) to autonomous systems and personalized technologies. Companies like Meta, OpenAI, Google, and startups like Thinking Machines Lab are vying for a limited pool of elite researchers and engineers.

• Meta’s Strategy: Zuckerberg’s reported attempts to acquire Thinking Machines Lab and poach its talent reflect Meta’s aggressive approach to securing AI expertise. The company has invested heavily in AI to enhance its platforms, such as improving content recommendation algorithms and developing metaverse technologies. Offering massive compensation packages, like the reported $100 million bonuses to OpenAI staff, highlights Meta’s determination to stay competitive.
• Startup Appeal: Startups like Thinking Machines Lab offer researchers like Tulloch the chance to work on groundbreaking projects with fewer bureaucratic constraints. The high valuation of Thinking Machines Lab ($12 billion) within months of its founding underscores the market’s confidence in its potential, making it an attractive platform for innovation.
• Ethical and Societal Considerations: The AI industry is at a crossroads, with debates over ethical AI development, transparency, and societal impact. Tulloch’s decision to align with Thinking Machines Lab, which emphasizes “widely understood” and “customizable” AI, may reflect a commitment to advancing AI in a way that prioritizes public benefit over corporate interests.

Lessons for Aspiring Professionals

Tulloch’s journey and decision offer valuable lessons for students, professionals, and aspiring AI researchers:

1. Invest in Education: Tulloch’s academic excellence, from his near-perfect ATAR to his master’s degree at Cambridge, laid the foundation for his career. Rigorous training in mathematics, statistics, and machine learning equipped him with the skills to excel in AI.
2. Pursue Passion Over Pay: While financial incentives are important, Tulloch’s rejection of a massive offer suggests that alignment with personal values, mission, and impact can outweigh monetary rewards. Aspiring professionals should seek roles that resonate with their long-term goals.
3. Build a Strong Network: Tulloch’s collaboration with Mira Murati and other OpenAI colleagues highlights the importance of professional relationships. Working with trusted peers can lead to opportunities like co-founding a startup.
4. Stay Adaptable: Tulloch’s career trajectory—from Goldman Sachs to Meta, OpenAI, and Thinking Machines Lab—demonstrates the value of adaptability in a fast-evolving industry. Being open to new challenges and environments can lead to significant opportunities.
5. Understand Your Value: Tulloch’s reputation as an “extreme genius” and his ability to command a $1 billion offer reflect the high demand for specialized skills in AI. Professionals should recognize and leverage their unique expertise in competitive fields.

Conclusion

Andrew Tulloch’s decision to reject a reported $1 billion offer from Mark Zuckerberg is a testament to the complex factors influencing career choices in the AI industry. His commitment to Thinking Machines Lab’s mission, entrepreneurial ambitions, and potential for long-term impact likely outweighed the immediate financial allure of Meta’s offer. This case highlights the intense competition for AI talent, the strategic maneuvers of tech giants, and the growing influence of startups in shaping the future of AI. For students and professionals, Tulloch’s story serves as an inspiring example of prioritizing purpose, innovation, and collaboration in a rapidly changing technological landscape.