OpenAI Recruits OpenClaw Creator in Major Bet on Next-Gen AI Agents
OpenClaw enables continuously running AI agents that can execute commands, integrate with external services and messaging platforms, and operate with broad system permissions.
OpenAI has hired Peter Steinberger, the creator of the fast-growing open-source agent framework OpenClaw, after weeks of interest from major artificial-intelligence firms, marking a significant talent win for the company as competition around agentic AI intensifies.
OpenClaw, previously known as Clawdbot and Moltbot, enables continuously running AI agents that can execute commands, integrate with external services and messaging platforms, and operate with broad system permissions. The framework has gained traction among developers building autonomous, multi-step AI systems capable of planning, tool use and task execution beyond simple chat responses.
Chief executive Sam Altman announced the hire on X, saying Steinberger would help shape “the next generation of personal agents.”
"OpenClaw will live in a foundation as an open source project that OpenAI will continue to support. The future is going to be extremely multi-agent and it's important to us to support open source as part of that," Altman said.
OpenClaw has attracted tens of thousands of developers and surged in GitHub popularity as enterprises and independent builders seek AI agents that can act autonomously across workflows. Steinberger’s move strengthens OpenAI’s push into agentic systems while reinforcing ties with the open-source developer community shaping the next wave of intelligent software.
