Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia invest in humanoid robot startup

Two of the largest tech firms, Amazon and Microsoft, made a decision to invest in the promising startup Figure AI. The company, which is becoming well-known for developing human-like robots, is currently in the middle of a funding round that has drawn a lot of interest, according to a February 23 Bloomberg News article.

Sources with knowledge of the matter claim that Figure AI is raising an astounding $675 million in its current investment round, which reflects a pre-money valuation of almost $2 billion. A distinguished group of investors, including other industry titans in the digital space like Nvidia and OpenAI, provide the funding.

Jeff Bezos has made a significant $100 million commitment to assist Figure AI’s innovative efforts through his investment firm, Explore Investments LLC. Microsoft also made a significant contribution to the investment round, giving it a noteworthy $95 million. Also, Nvidia and an Amazon-affiliated fund are each injecting $50 million into the startup. It’s interesting to note that OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, considered buying Figure AI at first but ultimately decided to put $5 million into the startup.

This significant funding round for Figure AI continues a trend that began with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which went viral in November 2022. Investors’ growing belief that this startup can outperform its more established competition is reflected in the increased interest in supporting it. 

The support for Figure AI extends beyond the tech giants. Indeed, a wide range of investors have contributed to the investment round for Figure AI. Among the investors mentioned in the report are Samsung’s investment group, LG Innotek, Intel’s venture capital division, Parkway Venture Capital, Align Ventures, ARK Venture Fund, Aliya Capital Partners, and Tamarack.