Reid Hoffman leaves Microsoft board to focus on AI drug startup Manus
Original: Reid Hoffman is leaving Microsoft’s board to go ‘founder mode’ with startup Manus
Why This Matters
Major tech figure transitions from Big Tech governance to AI healthcare innovation
LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman announced departure from Microsoft's board after decade-long tenure to focus on AI drug discovery startup Manus. The company raised over $50 million in seed funding last year and targets cancer treatment development.
Reid Hoffman is stepping down from Microsoft's board to enter 'founder mode' with AI drug discovery startup Manus. Hoffman joined Microsoft's board in 2016 when the company acquired LinkedIn for $26.2 billion. During his tenure, he was present for Microsoft's $1 billion OpenAI investment in 2019 and the $650 million Inflection AI deal. Manus raised over $50 million through seed rounds last year, with Hoffman as co-founder and chairman. The startup is led by CEO Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Hoffman said the company is making progress on 'Move 37' AI technology for chemistry applications in cancer treatment.