Meta just dropped $15 billion for a 49% stake in Scale AI, valuing the startup at over $29 billion. Scale’s 28-year-old CEO, Alexandr Wang, is tagging along to join Meta’s AI team.
Wang is the youngest self-made billionaire in the world at 24, hitting unicorn status with backing from Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund. The MIT dropout co-founded Scale AI out of Y Combinator in 2016, aiming to automate any human-powered data process.
Wang has been heavy in DC lately, advising lawmakers on AI, national security, and military uses. He even wrote an open letter to President Trump in 2017 urging stronger AI investment and policy moves. 
“The race for AI global leadership is well underway, and our nation’s ability to efficiently adopt and implement AI will define the future of warfare,” Wang told Congress earlier this year.
He’s staying on Scale’s board but will focus full-time on Meta’s superintelligence projects. Wang hinted at his departure in a note to employees.
“The idea of not being a Scalien was, frankly, unimaginable. But as I spent time truly considering it, I realized this was a deeply unique moment, not just for me, but for Scale as well.”
“The proceeds from Meta’s investment will be distributed to those of you who are shareholders and vested equity holders.”
This move signals Meta’s serious bet on AI, putting its chips behind a young CEO who’s already made waves in tech and policy circles. More from Meta on their AI team shakeup is expected soon.
