A recent Forbes investigation reveals that Meta experienced a significant exodus of its top AI engineers, who departed not just for better pay but for more purposeful, streamlined environments. The departures are attributed to organizational chaos and blurred strategic direction. Many of these engineers now lead emerging AI startups like Perplexity, Mistral, Fireworks AI, and World Labs India Today.
In response, Mark Zuckerberg has launched Meta Superintelligence Labs, consolidating scattered AI efforts (including a new “TBD Lab”) under leaders like Alexandr Wang (formerly of Scale AI) and Nat Friedman. To win back talent, the company is deploying lavish compensation packages worth—and in some cases, stretching into—hundreds of millions of dollars India Today.
However, critics argue that even billions in spending may not remedy the deeper cultural and strategic deficiencies. Engineers left to pursue environments that offer clarity, agility, and purpose—not just high pay. As one researcher reportedly put it, “Talent isn’t just about hiring—it’s about creating the environment where people actually want to stay”
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