TLDR
- OpenAI hired Peter Steinberger, the developer behind OpenClaw, on February 15, 2026
- OpenClaw will continue as an open-source project under an independent foundation with OpenAI support
- The AI agent reached 180,000 Github stars within three months of its November 2025 launch
- Kimi Claw, a browser-based competitor from Moonshot AI, launched the same day as the announcement
- Steinberger rejected acquisition bids from OpenAI and Meta before accepting the employment offer
Peter Steinberger accepted a position at OpenAI on February 15, 2026. He developed OpenClaw, an autonomous AI agent that handles personal tasks.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared the news on social media. He confirmed OpenClaw will remain open-source through a foundation structure.
Steinberger explained he’s joining to contribute to AI research and development. Maintaining OpenClaw’s open-source status remains his priority.
No acquisition took place. OpenClaw will operate under an MIT license as an independent project with OpenAI’s backing.
The agent debuted in November 2025 under the name Clawdbot. It became one of Github’s fastest-growing projects with over 180,000 stars.
OpenClaw functions autonomously on personal computers. The tool manages emails, schedules restaurant reservations, and completes flight check-ins.
Users access the agent through WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, and Discord. The system works independently without continuous user direction.
Technical Features and Obstacles
OpenClaw relies on large language models from Anthropic and OpenAI. A “heartbeat” feature enables the agent to start tasks proactively.
Steinberger revealed monthly expenses ranged from $10,000 to $20,000. He shared these figures during an appearance on the Lex Fridman podcast.
The project encountered security issues and trademark problems. Scammers took over accounts during a naming dispute that required rebranding.
OpenAI and Meta both submitted acquisition proposals. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg messaged Steinberger on WhatsApp about possible integration.
OpenAI provided offers centered on compute resources and strategic alignment. These elements influenced Steinberger’s choice to join the company.
Moonshot AI Enters Market
Moonshot AI released Kimi Claw on February 15, 2026. The launch happened the same day Steinberger announced his OpenAI employment.
Kimi Claw delivers a browser-based version of OpenClaw’s technology. The cloud service operates on Moonshot’s Kimi K2.5 model.
The platform includes 40GB of cloud storage and more than 5,000 community skills. It offers continuous agent operation without local software installation.
The browser approach removes needs for Docker setup and manual security settings. The service’s Chinese hosting creates data privacy questions for certain users.
Developer feedback on Steinberger’s hiring shows mixed opinions. Some see benefits for AI agent adoption in consumer products.
Others express concerns about corporate control over the community-focused project. Some critics reference the project as “Closedclaw” in response.
OpenAI did not disclose compensation terms. The company stated it will maintain support for OpenClaw under the foundation framework.
The emerging rivalry between OpenAI and Moonshot AI demonstrates the value companies place on AI agents. Multiple firms are developing systems capable of automating routine digital activities.
OpenClaw’s shift to foundation governance while its creator joins OpenAI creates a new model for open-source projects. The arrangement allows corporate involvement while preserving community access.
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