A trio of former Meta and OpenAI engineers are raising $400 million for a new AI venture named Aire, sources say.

Aire’s founders, all ex‑staff from the two tech giants, aim to build next‑generation generative models. The capital will fund research labs, talent acquisition and infrastructure in a market where AI startups vie for dominance.

Investors eye the move as a signal that AI talent is increasingly moving into independent entities. The funding round could set a benchmark for valuation in a space crowded with large‑cap incumbents and niche niche players.

The deal underscores how former employees of industry leaders are seeking fresh avenues to monetize expertise, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape for AI innovation.