Reid Hoffman is leaving Microsoft’s board to go ‘founder mode’ with startup Manus
SkimNews Take
Hoffman's shift from a major tech board to an AI-driven drug discovery startup illustrates a broader trend of experienced tech leaders applying their expertise to complex scientific problems, signaling a potential new frontier for venture capital and innovation.
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- Reid Hoffman announced his resignation from Microsoft's board of directors, ending a decade-long tenure.
- Microsoft invested $1 billion in OpenAI in 2019 while Hoffman served on its board.
- Microsoft completed a $650 million acqui-hire of Inflection AI, bringing cofounder Mustafa Suleyman onto its staff during Hoffman's board service.
- Manus raised over $50 million in seed rounds last year, with Hoffman and General Catalyst as investors.
- Manus is co-founded by Hoffman, who serves as chairman, while Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee is CEO.
Why it matters: Manus, which just raised >$50M, gains Hoffman's full-time leadership, accelerating its AI-driven cancer drug pipeline, while Microsoft loses a board member with deep AI and venture experience.
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