Alexandr Wang, the 29-year-old founder of Scale AI and recent addition to Meta, has quickly injected new energy into the company with the launch of the Muse AI app. Since its debut on September 8, Muse has significantly boosted Meta’s stock performance, increasing the company’s market value by over $400 billion and driving a 20% rise in shares over the past month.
Wang, an MIT dropout and one of the youngest self-made billionaires, joined Meta in June 2025 following a $14 billion investment by the social media giant, which acquired a 49% stake in Scale AI. Hired to lead a revitalization of Meta’s artificial intelligence initiatives after the underwhelming reception of its Llama 4 model, Wang has introduced a notably unconventional style and approach to the company’s culture.
Known for his candid and irreverent presence on social media, Wang often shares off-color memes and posts that contrast sharply with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s more reserved public persona. For example, Wang recently shared an image of Muse’s mascot, Jolly—a plush, animal-like character—posing humorously with its rear prominently displayed. The post spawned a wave of memes, some of which Wang reposted, including one featuring Zuckerberg’s head edited onto Jolly’s body.
Wang’s casual and unorthodox demeanor has elicited mixed reactions both inside and outside Meta. His arrival spurred skepticism and internal turmoil, leading some high-profile executives, including AI expert Yann LeCun, to depart the company. However, supporters argue that Wang’s "Gen Z" sensibility and willingness to challenge corporate norms have been essential in helping Meta address ongoing challenges, including regulatory scrutiny and a $12.7 billion settlement in California related to concerns over teen addiction to social media.
At Meta’s recent annual developer conference, Wang appeared in casual attire, wearing a thrifted camouflage T-shirt and Crocs, drawing comments about his style—and prompting him to clarify the affordable price of his outfit in a playful response. This departure from typical tech executive appearances may align with Meta’s broader efforts to engage younger audiences and revitalize user growth on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Meanwhile, Zuckerberg, aged 42, has adopted a more traditional, official role in recent times, including attending high-profile events such as a White House dinner with President Joe Biden. This shift marks a contrast with his earlier, more rebellious image during Facebook’s early years.
Meta has not publicly responded to inquiries regarding Wang’s impact or the Muse app’s success. Nonetheless, Wang’s arrival and the surge in Meta’s AI-driven product offerings represent a notable development as the company seeks to maintain its competitive edge in the evolving technology landscape.