SoftBank Group and Nvidia in Talks to Lead $1 Billion Investment in Skild AI
According to a report by Reuters, SoftBank Group and Nvidia are currently in discussions to spearhead an investment of over $1 billion in Skild AI. This investment would value the software company at $14 billion, showcasing significant interest in the burgeoning robotics industry.
The startup, founded nearly three years ago, saw its last valuation reach $4.7 billion in May after a successful $500 million funding round. The round was led by SoftBank, with participation from LG Technology Ventures, Samsung, Nvidia, and other key players in the tech industry. However, Skild AI has remained tight-lipped about the potential new investment, and both SoftBank and Nvidia have chosen not to comment on the matter.
Unlike many well-funded startups in the robotics sector, Skild AI is taking a different approach by focusing on software rather than proprietary hardware. The company is dedicated to developing a universal foundation model that can be tailored to different types of robots and applications, showcasing versatility and scalability in its offerings.
One of Skild AI’s flagship products is the Skild Brain, a general-purpose robot model that was unveiled in July. Videos demonstrating the capabilities of this model, such as picking up objects and navigating stairs, have garnered attention in the robotics community. The company has also formed strategic partnerships with LG CNS and Hewlett Packard Enterprise to further enhance its ecosystem and reach.
The interest in AI robotics is on the rise, with investors flocking to companies like Physical Intelligence, which recently secured $600 million at a $5.6 billion valuation. Another notable player in the industry, Figure, raised over $1 billion at a staggering $39 billion valuation for its humanoid robot development. Similarly, 1X, a competitor in the humanoid robot space, is in talks to secure a substantial investment at a valuation of $10 billion.
As the robotics market continues to evolve and expand, Skild AI’s innovative approach and strategic partnerships position it as a key player in shaping the future of robotics technology.
