David Silver, a well-known Google DeepMind researcher who played a critical role in many of the company’s most famous breakthroughs, has left the company to form his own startup.
Silver is launching a new startup called Ineffable Intelligence, based in London, according to a person with direct knowledge of Silver’s plans. The company is actively recruiting AI researchers and is seeking venture capital funding, the person said.
Google DeepMind informed staff of Silver’s departure earlier this month, the person said. Silver had been on sabbatical in the months leading up to his departure and never formally returned to his DeepMind role.
A Google DeepMind spokesperson confirmed Silver’s departure in an emailed statement to Fortune. “Dave’s contributions have been invaluable, and we’re grateful for the impact he’s had on our work at Google DeepMind,” the spokesperson said.
Silver could not immediately be reached for comment.
Ineffable Intelligence was formed in November 2025, and Silver was appointed a director of the company on Jan. 16, according to documents filed with U.K. business registry Companies House.
In addition, Silver’s personal web page now lists his contact as Ineffable Intelligence and provides an Ineffable Intelligence email address, although it continues to state that he “leads the reinforcement learning team” at Google DeepMind.
In addition to his work at Google DeepMind, Silver is a professor at University College London. He continues to maintain that affiliation.
