Elon Musk suggests spate of xAI exits have been push, not pull | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Rebecca Bellan

February 13, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Elon Musk has addressed the recent wave of departures at xAI, including the exit of two co-founders, bringing the total to six out of the original 12. At an all-hands meeting, Musk suggested these exits were due to a mismatch in company fit rather than performance issues. He emphasized that as xAI grows, restructuring is necessary to maintain efficiency and effectiveness. Musk also highlighted that the company is actively recruiting and urged potential candidates aligned with its ambitious goals to join. The departures have sparked speculation about stability at xAI, especially amid ongoing controversies. The company faces regulatory scrutiny following the creation of nonconsensual deepfakes by Grok, leading to an investigation by French authorities. Additionally, xAI’s planned IPO later this year and its acquisition by SpaceX add pressure on the organization to maintain momentum. Several departing employees have hinted at a desire for more autonomy and smaller teams to accelerate AI advancements. For instance, Tony Wu, an xAI co-founder, expressed excitement about starting a new chapter with frontier tech possibilities. Others, like Shayan Salehian, left to pursue independent ventures, reflecting a broader trend of professionals seeking innovative opportunities beyond large corporations. The rapid restructuring and departures at xAI underscore the challenges of scaling AI-focused organizations. While xAI’s size ensures short-term resilience, the company must navigate balancing growth with employee satisfaction. This situation is particularly relevant for tech readers interested in leadership strategies, corporate evolution, and the ethical implications of AI development.

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/13/2026