EL7.AI
StocksMedium•15 July 2026•
1 min read

Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Launches Inkling AI to Rival OpenAI

Key Facts

1Mira Murati's AI startup, Thinking Machines, launched Inkling, an open-weight model designed for broad use.
2Thinking Machines is currently valued at $12 billion and aims to rival OpenAI and challenge Chinese AI leadership.

Amidst an accelerating race for dominance in generative AI, Mira Murati’s startup, Thinking Machines, has launched its first model named Inkling. The open-weight model is designed for broad public use, as the company—currently valued at approximately $12 billion—seeks to challenge OpenAI's market position and counter the growing influence of Chinese firms in the open-source AI space.

This launch coincides with intense competition from industry titans like Meta, which champions open-source AI through its Llama series, and Alphabet as it expands its Gemini capabilities. According to Fortune reports, the entry of Murati, the former CTO of OpenAI, introduces a significant strategic shift, highlighting how high-valuation startups are increasingly competing for talent and infrastructure against established tech giants.

Looking ahead, investors will focus on the U.S. Monetary Policy Report scheduled for July 10, 2026, which could dictate broader risk appetite for high-growth technology sectors.