Figure, a robotics startup based in Sunnyvale, California, announced on Thursday that it had successfully raised $675 million in early-stage funding.
In a groundbreaking move that underscores the growing momentum in the robotics and artificial intelligence sectors, Figure, a robotics startup based in Sunnyvale, California, announced on Thursday that it had successfully raised $675 million in early-stage funding.
Investors participating in this significant funding round include tech giants such as Nvidia, Microsoft, and Amazon.com, with Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com, also contributing to the investment pool. This infusion of capital places Figure at a valuation of $2.6 billion, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward revolutionizing robotics technology.
In addition to securing substantial financial backing, Figure has also forged a strategic collaboration with OpenAI, a leading AI research organization, to pioneer the development of generative artificial intelligence for its humanoid robots. This partnership signifies a concerted effort to harness cutting-edge AI capabilities to enhance the functionality and performance of Figure’s robotic platforms.
The emergence of ChatGPT, a groundbreaking AI model developed by OpenAI, has catalyzed a surge of interest in artificial intelligence across various industries. This heightened enthusiasm has prompted companies to allocate substantial resources towards capitalizing on the transformative potential of AI-driven technologies.
Alongside industry heavyweights like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Amazon.com, Figure’s latest funding round also attracted investment from a diverse array of entities, including OpenAI Startup Fund, Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, Parkway Venture Capital, Intel Capital, Align Ventures, and ARK Invest. This broad-based support underscores the widespread recognition of Figure’s innovative approach to robotics and its potential to redefine the future of automation.
Commenting on the significance of this partnership, Peter Welinder, Vice President of Product and Partnerships at OpenAI, expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts between Figure and OpenAI. “We’ve always planned to come back to robotics, and we see a path with Figure to explore what humanoid robots can achieve when powered by highly capable multimodal models,” stated Welinder, highlighting the strategic alignment between the two organizations.
The news of Figure’s successful funding round was initially reported by Bloomberg, which revealed key details about the major investors involved. Jeff Bezos committed $100 million through his investment firm Explore Investments LLC, while Microsoft pledged $95 million. Additionally, both Nvidia and an Amazon-affiliated fund contributed $50 million each, further solidifying the robust financial support behind Figure’s ambitious endeavors.
With this influx of capital, Figure intends to expedite its commercial deployment efforts, leveraging Microsoft Azure for AI infrastructure, training, and storage. This strategic collaboration with Microsoft underscores Figure’s commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation and deliver unparalleled value to its customers.
Notably, Figure recently entered into a strategic partnership with BMW Manufacturing to deploy its humanoid robots in the automotive manufacturer’s facilities in the United States. This collaboration exemplifies Figure’s growing traction in key industry sectors and its ability to forge strategic alliances with leading enterprises to drive widespread adoption of its robotics solutions.
While the private fundraising environment has witnessed a degree of stagnation in recent times, with venture capital activity experiencing a decline compared to previous years, Figure’s remarkable success in securing $675 million underscores the continued investor appetite for transformative AI and robotics startups.
Despite the broader economic challenges, the enthusiasm surrounding Figure’s innovative approach and strategic partnerships bodes well for its future growth and impact in the rapidly evolving landscape of robotics and artificial intelligence.