Robots and Figure AI

Figure AI, a startup focused on developing humanoid robots, is in talks with investors to secure $1.5 billion (approximately €1.43 billion). Bloomberg reports, citing sources close to the process, that the company is expected to reach a valuation of $39.5 billion (around €37.65 billion).

This deal reflects the increasing investor interest in robots that resemble and move like humans.

The funding round will be led by Align Ventures and Parkway Venture Capital, although the final terms have not yet been finalized.

This new valuation marks a significant jump from the previous round, which valued the company at $2.6 billion last year. Current backers include Microsoft, OpenAI, Nvidia, and Jeff Bezos, Amazon's founder. In this round, Bezos, through his firm Explore Investments, pledged $100 million. Microsoft invested about $95 million, while Nvidia and an Amazon-affiliated fund each contributed $50 million.

Investors are excited about the company's progress in developing more advanced reasoning capabilities, which has sped up their projections for when its products will be ready. The startup now believes its robots could be ready for household use in the next few years.

Humanoid robots have already piqued investor interest. Tesla, led by Elon Musk, is developing its own robot, Optimus. Meanwhile, Meta plans to enhance this field by partnering with startups like Figure and Unitree Robotics.