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DeepMind and Inflection AI co-founder Mustafa Suleyman to join new Microsoft AI division to spearhead Copilot innovation in 2024

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Written by Dave W. Shanahan

March 20, 2024

In a major shakeup in the AI industry, Mustafa Suleyman and Karén Simonyan, co-founders of the prominent AI startup Inflection AI, are joining Microsoft to lead the company’s newly formed consumer AI division called “Microsoft AI.”

Mustafa Suleyman and Microsoft AI

Mustafa Suleyman

Mustafa Suleyman, a notable figure who co-founded DeepMind (acquired by Google in 2014), assumes the role of Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft AI, directly reporting to the esteemed Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. His wealth of experience and expertise in the AI domain positions him as a key leader in driving Microsoft’s AI initiatives forward.

Karén Simonyan, recognized as a distinguished AI researcher and influential thought leader, joins Microsoft as the Chief Scientist within the Microsoft AI group. His innovative contributions and deep understanding of AI technologies are set to play a pivotal role in shaping Microsoft’s future endeavors in the realm of consumer AI.

Furthermore, the infusion of talent from Inflection AI into Microsoft extends beyond its co-founders. A cadre of accomplished AI engineers and researchers from Inflection AI will also be transitioning to Microsoft, enriching the company’s pool of expertise and fostering a culture of innovation.

Mustafa Suleyman’s leadership will be instrumental in steering the development of AI products and research for key Microsoft offerings such as Copilot, Bing, and Edge. This strategic alignment underscores Microsoft’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies across its product portfolio.

As part of this transformative journey, Inflection AI is realigning its focus towards providing an API for its advanced AI models, which will be hosted on Microsoft Azure and other leading cloud platforms. This strategic shift not only enhances Inflection AI’s reach but also strengthens its collaboration with Microsoft in driving innovation within the AI ecosystem.

Microsoft’s substantial investment in Inflection AI, leading a $1.3 billion funding round less than a year ago, underscores its strategic vision to fortify its position in the dynamic landscape of artificial intelligence. CEO Satya Nadella’s emphasis on bold innovation within the “AI platform shift” highlights Microsoft’s unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancement.


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I'm Dave W. Shanahan, a Microsoft enthusiast with a passion for Windows 11, Xbox, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure, and more. After OnMSFT.com closed, I started MSFTNewsNow.com to keep the world updated on Microsoft news. Based in Massachusetts, you can find me on Twitter @Dav3Shanahan or email me at davewshanahan@gmail.com.