Humanoid robots from Figure AI

Figure AI, a startup dedicated to developing humanoid robots, is in negotiations with investors to raise $1.5 billion (about €1.43 billion). According to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the process, the company would reach a valuation of $39.5 billion (around €37.65 billion).

The deal seems to reflect the growing interest of investors in the technology and industry of robots that look and move like humans.

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

The new valuation would be significantly higher than the previous round, which set the company’s value at $2.6 billion last year. Current investors include Microsoft, OpenAI, Nvidia, and Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon. In the transaction, Bezos, through his company Explore Investments, committed $100 million. At the same time, Microsoft invested around $95 million, while Nvidia and an Amazon.com-affiliated fund each contributed $50 million.

Part of the enthusiasm from investors comes from the progress in more sophisticated reasoning capabilities, which has accelerated the company’s projections on when its products will be available. The startup now believes its machines could be ready for homes in the next few years.

Humanoid robots have already attracted investors. Tesla, the company controlled by Elon Musk, is developing a robot called Optimus. Meanwhile, Meta is planning to boost this area by collaborating with startups like Figure and Unitree Robotics.