Thore Graepel, a co-creator of DeepMind's AlphaGo, has left Google to raise funding for a new AI startup focused on reasoning capabilities. The departure marks another high-profile exit from the AI research division.
Thore Graepel, a senior researcher at Google DeepMind and key contributor to AlphaGo, is launching a startup dedicated to advancing AI reasoning systems, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Graepel's departure continues a trend of prominent DeepMind researchers founding their own ventures. The researcher was instrumental in developing AlphaGo, the groundbreaking program that defeated world champion Lee Sedol at Go in 2016—a milestone widely viewed as a turning point in AI capability.
Details about the new startup remain limited, but the focus on AI reasoning suggests Graepel is targeting a fundamental challenge in the field: enabling AI systems to perform complex logical thinking and multi-step problem solving.
The move reflects broader shifts in the AI industry, where established researchers increasingly pursue independent ventures rather than remaining at major tech companies. This pattern has accelerated as the AI landscape becomes more competitive and as researchers seek opportunities to explore specialized approaches.
Graepel's track record at DeepMind—where he contributed to multiple significant projects beyond AlphaGo—positions him as a credible figure for attracting investor interest. His departure from Google adds to a growing list of senior departures from DeepMind in recent years, as researchers seek autonomy and resources for their own research directions.
The startup funding landscape for AI reasoning is particularly active, with multiple companies and research initiatives exploring similar technical challenges. Graepel's entry into this space brings significant credibility given his research background and previous success navigating complex AI development challenges.
No announcement regarding funding amounts or investor details has been publicly confirmed.
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