Nvidia and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos are just two of the big tech names funding in a startup that develops human-like robots. Microsoft and OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, have also invested in the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based FigureAI. The company develops humanoid robots that can handle tasks in workplaces such as retail and warhouses.
The tech company aims to raise around $675 million in a funding round that carries a pre-money valuations of approximately $2 billion. Bezos’ firm Explore Investments LLC is providing $100 million, while Microsoft has committed $95 million. Nvidia and an Amazon-affiliated fund will each provide $50 million, and OpenAI—which previously considered purchasing FigureAI—will invest $5 million.
Other players in the funding round include Samsung’s investment group LG Innotek, as well as Parkway Venture Capital, Align Ventures and Intel’s venture capital branch. They’re joined by ARK Venture Fund, Alya Capital Partners and Tamarack.
FigureAI raised $70 million, led by Parkway Venture Capital, in its first external funding round in 2023.
