The landscape of artificial intelligence and robotics sees a surge in investment as tech luminaries like Jeff Bezos, Nvidia, and Microsoft funnel funds into Figure AI, a startup specializing in human-like robots.
Figure AI, supported by heavyweight backers including OpenAI and Microsoft, is poised to raise approximately $675 million in a funding round, propelling its pre-money valuation to an impressive $2 billion. Jeff Bezos demonstrates his commitment by pledging $100 million through Explore Investments LLC, while Microsoft follows suit with a $95 million investment. According to the report, Nvidia and an Amazon-affiliated fund each contribute $50 million.
The surge in investments in artificial intelligence startups gains momentum following the viral success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot in November 2022. Investors perceive a promising opportunity in these startups, betting on their potential to surpass established industry players.
OpenAI, initially considering an acquisition of Figure, now invests $5 million in the startup, further solidifying its support within the artificial intelligence community. As reported, Notable backers include Intel’s venture capital arm, LG Innotek, Samsung’s investment group, Parkway Venture Capital, Align Ventures, ARK Venture Fund, Aliya Capital Partners, and Tamarack.
As the artificial intelligence and robotics sectors continue to evolve, investments from tech giants underscore the growing interest and potential for innovation in humanoid robotics. Figure AI’s ambitious pursuit of human-like robots aligns with the broader trajectory of technological advancement, with implications spanning various industries and domains.