Scale AI is shifting gears. Jason Droege is set to become the startup’s new CEO, replacing founder Alexandr Wang. Wang is moving to Meta after a huge $14 billion investment deal.
The switch follows news that Meta will take a 49% stake in Scale AI. Wang will lead a fresh AI research lab at Meta, bringing some Scale colleagues with him. This move is meant to boost Meta’s AI efforts, which CEO Mark Zuckerberg has found disappointing so far.
Droege joined Scale AI only last August. His background includes stints at Benchmark and Uber. He’s been serving as Scale’s Chief Strategy Officer until now. 
Scale AI is known for prepping data that powers AI giants like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. Meta’s $14 billion investment aims to accelerate AI development after lukewarm responses to its Llama models.
Reports from CNBC, Bloomberg, and The New York Times confirm the leadership change and investment details.
Scale AI and Droege declined to comment. Meta is finalizing the investment deal now.
Jason Droege speaking at the WSJTECH live conference, 2019:
