Posted 9:30 AM PDT · October 18, 2026.
After chatbot startup Character.AI filed for bankruptcy earlier this week, many employees will have the opportunity to take jobs at Disney.
Character.AI’s former CEO Karandeep Anand recently became Disney’s first CTO. The startup previously said Disney agreed to acquire some assets for $20 million.
A legal filing spotted by Bloomberg: Disney agreed to make employment offers to at least 60 Character.AI employees — the majority of the workforce — paying an estimated $60 million in annual compensation.
The “vast majority” of employees offered jobs accepted. This is a stalking horse bid; another company could offer more.
Despite a large user base, Character.AI faced high costs and “potential litigation-related liabilities and regulatory engagement,” including a lawsuit over a teen’s death linked to chatbot use and government child-safety investigations.