February 15, 2026
Lobster rolls into Big AI
OpenClaw, OpenAI and the Future
Lobster dev jumps to OpenAI; fans hype, skeptics cry sellout
TLDR: The OpenClaw creator is joining OpenAI and turning OpenClaw into an independent foundation that stays open. Commenters are split between calling it a heroic shortcut to reach billions and worrying it’s a corporate cuddle that could “hug the project to death,” with bonus jokes about billionaire vibes.
The internet is having a seafood boil over the OpenClaw creator joining OpenAI. In a heartfelt post — now archived — he says he’s chasing a bigger mission: build AI “agents” that even his mom can use, while moving OpenClaw into a nonprofit foundation to stay open and independent. Cue the comments: some cheered the move as a power play, others yelled sellout, and everyone brought memes.
One top vibe: this is an “Our Incredible Journey” post, but for a person. Another: did he just leave a potential unicorn startup on the table? A doubter deadpanned “Hugged to death?” — the classic fear that a big company love-bombs your project until it vanishes. Meanwhile, a hype squad insists he vibe-coded himself into billionaire status, joking that Sam Altman and Mark Zuckerberg are arm-wrestling over him. It’s startup Cinderella meets corporate cuddle monster.
Beyond the drama, a quieter camp thinks this is about the app layer: one commenter argues the real prize is a single, friendly interface that can swap between many AI engines — simple idea, huge impact. Fans repeat his rallying cry — “the claw is the law” — while skeptics ask whether OpenAI will truly let OpenClaw stay independent. For now, the lobster is surfing a wave of applause, side-eye, and spicy takes.
Key Points
- •The author is joining OpenAI to work on making AI agents widely accessible.
- •OpenClaw will transition into a foundation and remain open and independent.
- •OpenAI already sponsors OpenClaw and committed to enabling the author’s continued involvement.
- •The author spent a week in San Francisco meeting major labs and reviewing unreleased research.
- •The decision prioritizes impact and shared vision over building a large standalone company, with plans to support more models and companies via the foundation.