Jeff Bezos, Nvidia, And Microsoft Invested In Human-like Robot Maker Startups

Jeff Bezos, Amazon owner with his mother. (photo: x Jeff Bezos @JeffBezos)

JAKARTA - Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, Nvidia, and other big names in the tech world are investing in the startup Figure AI developing a human-like robot. This was reported by Bloomberg News on Friday, February 23 citing people familiar with the situation.

The AI Figure, also backed by ChatGPT, OpenAI, and Microsoft makers, is raising around US$675 million (Rp 10.5 trillion) in a funding round that has a pre-money valuation of around US$2 billion (Rp 31.3 trillion), according to the report.

Bezos has committed 100 million US dollars (Rp 1.5 trillion) through his company, Explore Investments LLC, and Microsoft invested 95 million US dollars (Rp 1.4 trillion), while Nvidia and an Amazon-affiliated fund each provided 50 million US dollars (Rp782.2 billion).

Investment in artificial intelligence startups has surfaced after OpenAI's ChatGPT rollout in November 2022, as investors feel there is a chance, betting on these startups that may surpass big competitors.

"OpenAI, which at one time is considering acquiring Figure, invested 5 million US dollars (Rp78.2 billion)," the report added.

Supporters also include Intel's venture capital division, LG Innotek, Samsung investment group, as well as venture capital firm Parkway Venture Capital and Align Ventures, the report added. ARK Venture Fund, Aliya Capital Partners, and Tamarack are also among investors in the startup.

Amazon, Nvidia, Microsoft, and Intel declined to comment, while other names mentioned in the report, including the AI Figure, also declined to comment.

Last year, Figure, based in Sunnyvale, California, developed a versatile humanoid robot that can work in various environments and handle various tasks ranging from warehouses to retail. They were able to raise $70 million from investors led by Parkway Venture Capital in their first external round.