In an era where tech giants are fiercely competing for AI dominance, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is raising eyebrows and sounding alarms. On a recent episode of the Uncapped podcast, hosted by his brother Jack Altman, the OpenAI chief revealed that Meta has been offering mind-blowing signing bonuses—up to $100 million to lure OpenAI employees away. But Altman isn’t just concerned about talent poaching. He believes this kind of aggressive compensation strategy is toxic to culture.

“They started making giant offers to a lot of people on our team,” Altman said. “You know, like $100 million signing bonuses.”

Money Over Mission?
Altman’s comments take direct aim at Meta’s recruitment strategy, which he sees as prioritizing wealth over purpose. While competition is nothing new in Silicon Valley, Altman questions whether throwing astronomical sums at people is a sustainable—or ethical—way to build an AI team.

For Altman, OpenAI’s mission is deeply rooted in long-term human benefit, not just profit. And he warns that when the incentive to join a company is purely financial, the results are misaligned teams, fragmented vision, and ultimately, a diluted culture.

Zuckerberg’s Big Money Play
Mark Zuckerberg and Meta are in the middle of a high-stakes race to dominate AI and the “metaverse.” Offering $100 million bonuses sends a clear message: Meta wants the best, and it’s willing to pay whatever it takes. But at what cost?

These offers aren’t just generous—they’re historic. Few companies in tech (or any industry) offer signing bonuses at this level. For comparison, many startup founders exit their companies with less than that.

While this may give Meta an edge in short-term talent acquisition, critics—including Altman—argue it may lead to a workforce more loyal to their paycheck than the product or mission.

What Kind of Culture Are We Building?
Altman’s warning is about more than Meta. It’s a call to action for all tech leaders: What values are we promoting when we turn recruitment into an arms race?

He believes that meaningful innovation—especially in something as powerful and consequential as AI—requires people who are driven by purpose, not greed.

“You can’t create the right company culture by simply throwing money at people,” Altman previously stated. “That’s not how you build passion, integrity, or innovation.”

Conclusion: The Real Cost of a $100M Offer
Sam Altman isn’t naive. He knows top-tier AI talent is rare and highly sought-after. But he’s also betting on a different kind of value—mission-driven culture, long-term commitment, and ethical alignment. If tech giants like Meta are paying $100 million just to get someone in the door, what will it take to get them to stay?

In the end, the AI race may not be won by those with the biggest wallets, but by those with the clearest purpose.