Aayushi Mathpal
Updated 26
Feb,2024, 10:30AM,IST
In a significant move that underscores
the burgeoning interest in artificial intelligence and robotics, a range of
technology powerhouses including Jeff Bezos, Nvidia, and OpenAI have come
together to back Figure AI, a startup dedicated to developing humanoid robots.
This collaboration is part of a broader trend of investment in AI startups,
spurred by the viral success of OpenAI's ChatGPT in November 2022, which has
captured the imagination of investors keen on backing ventures that could
potentially outperform larger, established players in the tech arena.
Figure AI, which also enjoys the
support of Microsoft, is in the process of raising approximately $675 million
in a funding round that values the company at about $2 billion before the
addition of new funds. Jeff Bezos, through his firm Explore Investments LLC, has
committed a substantial $100 million, with Microsoft contributing $95 million.
Nvidia and an Amazon-affiliated fund are each investing $50 million, showcasing
the broad base of support for Figure AI's vision. OpenAI itself is contributing
$5 million to the round, a symbolic yet significant investment reflecting its
interest in the startup's potential.
The influx of funding into Figure AI
and the diversity of its backers—including Intel's venture capital arm, LG
Innotek, Samsung's investment group, and various venture firms like Parkway
Venture Capital and Align Ventures—highlight the intense competition and
excitement surrounding the future of AI and robotics. Last year, Figure AI,
based in Sunnyvale, California, raised $70 million in its first external
funding round, led by Parkway Venture Capital. The company aims to develop
general-purpose humanoid robots capable of operating in various environments
and performing a wide range of tasks, from warehouse logistics to retail
services.
This collaboration among tech giants
signals a strong belief in the transformative potential of humanoid robots and
artificial intelligence. As the sector continues to evolve, the support from
industry leaders like Bezos, Nvidia, and OpenAI not only provides the financial
backing necessary for Figure AI's ambitious projects but also lends significant
credibility to the startup's endeavors in the competitive landscape of AI and
robotics.