OpenClaw creator Peter Steinberger joins OpenAI | TechCrunch
Summary
Peter Steinberger, creator of the AI assistant OpenClaw, joins OpenAI, which will continue to support OpenClaw as an open-source project.
Why It Matters
This development highlights the trend of collaboration between innovative AI developers and established organizations like OpenAI, emphasizing the importance of open-source projects in advancing AI technology. Steinberger's focus on changing the world rather than building a large company reflects a growing ethos in the tech community prioritizing societal impact over profit.
Key Takeaways
- Peter Steinberger joins OpenAI to further develop AI technology.
- OpenClaw will be maintained as an open-source project by OpenAI.
- Steinberger prioritizes societal impact over traditional business growth.
In Brief Posted: 2:28 PM PST · February 15, 2026 Image Credits:Getty Images Anthony Ha OpenClaw creator Peter Steinberger joins OpenAI Peter Steinberger, who created the AI personal assistant now known as OpenClaw, has joined OpenAI. Previously known as Clawdbot, then Moltbot, OpenClaw achieved viral popularity over the past few weeks with its promise to be the “AI that actually does things,” whether that’s managing your calendar, booking flights, or even joining a social network full of other AI assistants. (The name changed the first time after Anthropic threatened legal action over its similarity to Claude, then changed again because Steinberger liked the new name better.) In a blog post announcing his decision to join OpenAI, the Austrian developer said that while he might have been able to turn OpenClaw into a huge company, “It’s not really exciting for me.” “What I want is to change the world, not build a large company[,] and teaming up with OpenAI is the fastest way to bring this to everyone,” Steinberger said. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman posted on X that Steinberger will “drive the next generation of personal agents.” As for OpenClaw, Altman said it will “live in a foundation as an open source project that OpenAI will continue to support” Topics AI, Startups October 13-15 San Francisco, CA Tickets are live at the lowest rates of the year. Save up to $680 on your pass now.Meet investors. Discover your next portfolio company. Hear from 250+ tech leaders, dive into 200+ ses...
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