Meta Reportedly Offers $100 Million Bonuses to Lure OpenAI Talent Amid Intensified AI Talent War

Speaking on the Uncapped podcast, hosted by his brother, Altman revealed that Meta has been approaching members of OpenAI’s staff with eye-watering compensation packages. “They started throwing out giant offers—like $100 million signing bonuses and even more in total yearly compensation,” Altman said. Despite the scale of these incentives, he stated that none of OpenAI’s key team members have left for Meta so far.

The fierce competition underscores how critical individual researchers and engineers have become in the race to dominate the AI sector. “From what I’ve heard, Meta sees us as their top competitor,” Altman added, emphasizing the intensity of the rivalry.

Meta’s talent hunt aligns with its recent strategic shift, which includes forming a new "superintelligence" division. This group is now led by Alexandr Wang, CEO of Scale AI—a company in which Meta recently invested $14.3 billion. The move signals Meta's push to accelerate its AI efforts and close the performance gap with leaders like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and China's DeepSeek.

While Meta was once a leader in open-source AI development, it has faced recent challenges, including the departure of key personnel and delays in model releases. The aggressive hiring push may be an attempt to reset the narrative and reestablish itself as a force in AI.

As of early 2025, funding for AI startups and ventures remains at record highs. Data from CB Insights shows more than $30 billion poured into the sector in Q1 alone, fueling an arms race for AI expertise. Compensation packages now rival those seen in pro sports or elite finance—highlighting just how valuable top-tier AI professionals have become.

Meta has yet to comment on the reported offers, and Reuters has not independently verified the details.