A top-grade Cambridge graduate with stints at Goldman Sachs, Meta, and OpenAI; yet he turned down a $1.5 billion offer from Zuckerberg

Time of India

a day ago

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In the high-stakes world of artificial intelligence , turning down a $1.5 billion offer is not just rare—it's almost unfathomable. Yet that's exactly what Andrew Tulloch , a 34-year-old Australian computer scientist and AI expert, is believed to have done. And now, his LinkedIn profile is breaking the internet.Tulloch's story begins in Perth, Australia, where he graduated with a near-perfect ATAR of 99.95. After clinching the university medal in mathematics from the University of Sydney, he headed to Cambridge to earn a master's in mathematical statistics and machine learning—while also working as a quantitative analyst at Goldman Sachs But this was only the start. By 2012, Tulloch had moved to the United States and joined Meta (then Facebook), where he spent 11 years, ultimately becoming a Distinguished Engineer. His contributions to machine learning systems, including PyTorch, were pivotal during his tenure.After a brief but impactful stint at OpenAI , Tulloch co-founded Thinking Machines Lab in early 2024 alongside Mira Murati, the former Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI. The company, still in its infancy, has already made waves in the AI landscape.According to The Wall Street Journal, Mark Zuckerberg first attempted to acquire Thinking Machines Lab outright but was rebuffed by Murati. Not one to give up easily, the Meta CEO then tried a more personal strategy—offering Tulloch a $1.55 billion package over six years, complete with stock incentives and performance bonuses.Tulloch said no.Despite Meta later calling the reported figures 'inaccurate and ridiculous,' the story caught fire. In a tech industry often driven by titles and compensation, Tulloch's decision struck a nerve—and a chord—with professionals and observers alike.A former Meta colleague described him as an 'extreme genius.' Tulloch's decision has since been held up as an example of vision and conviction. 'Some chase titles, others chase equity. Then there are those who chase purpose,' read a now-viral comment. 'I think turning down $1.5B isn't about the money, it's about building something that matters.'Thinking Machines Lab, which describes itself as 'an artificial intelligence research and product company building a future where everyone has access to AI tailored to their needs', is already reportedly valued at $12 billion. If the company's trajectory continues, Tulloch's equity could be worth far more than Zuckerberg's offer.A user on X (formerly Twitter) even did the math: 'Tulloch's net worth could hit $3 billion after their Series B round.' Others called his decision a simple risk-reward calculation. 'He's betting that within six years his equity will be worth more than $1.5 billion. And he's probably right.'What makes Tulloch's story especially fascinating isn't just the money—it's the person. His viral LinkedIn profile despite without a single post, reads more like a modern Renaissance résumé. He's fluent in multiple programming languages, obsessed with 'big learning,' and has worked across the financial, academic, and technological spectrum. His rare mix of humility, intellect, and strategic thinking has turned him into an unlikely folk hero in tech circles.Tulloch's decision also highlights the intensifying war for AI talent . Meta has reportedly offered $100 million bonuses to OpenAI engineers in attempts to lure them. In June, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed that none of their best talent had taken up such offers.If Meta's aggressive recruitment drives suggest desperation, Tulloch's quiet refusal offers a compelling counter-narrative: in today's AI arms race, building something meaningful might just matter more than a billion-dollar paycheck.