Bezos, Nvidia Back Humanoid Robot Startup Figure AI in Major Investment

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Nvidia, and other tech giants are investing in humanoid robot startup Figure AI, as reported by Bloomberg. The startup, also backed by OpenAI and Microsoft, is raising approximately $675 million, with a pre-money valuation of about $2 billion.

According to the report, Bezos committed $100 million through his firm Explore Investments LLC, while Microsoft is investing $95 million. Nvidia and an Amazon-affiliated fund are each providing $50 million.

Investments in AI startups have surged since the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, with investors sensing an opportunity for growth against larger competitors.

OpenAI, considering acquiring Figure at one point, is investing $5 million. Other 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.

Last year, Figure, based in Sunnyvale, California, raised $70 million from investors led by Parkway Venture Capital for its general-purpose humanoid robots designed for various environments and tasks.