Investors and large technology groups are approaching this business
Figure AI, a startup dedicated to the development of humanoid robots, is in negotiations with investors to raise funds for an amount of 1.5 billion dollars (about 1.43 billion euros). According to Bloomberg, which cites sources familiar with the process, the company would reach a valuation of 39.5 billion dollars (about 37.65 billion euros).
The operation seems to show the growing interest of investors in technology and the industry for robots that look and move like human beings.
The round of financing would be led by Align Ventures and Parkway Venture Capital, although the final terms have not yet been agreed.
The new valuation would be much higher than that established in the previous round, of 2.6 billion dollars, carried out last year. Current investors include Microsoft, OpenAI, Nvidia and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. In the transaction, Bezos, through his firm Explore Investments, committed $100 million. Microsoft invested about $95 million, while Nvidia and a fund affiliated with Amazon.com each contributed $50 million.
Part of the investor enthusiasm for the company stems from the advance in more sophisticated reasoning capabilities, which has accelerated the company's projections for when its products will be available. The startup now believes its machines could be ready for the home within the next few years.
Humanoid robots have already attracted investors. Tesla, the company controlled by Elon Musk, is developing a robot dubbed Optimus. Meta, in turn, is planning to make a push into this area, collaborating with startups such as Figure and Unitree Robotics.