SoftBank and Nvidia reportedly in talks to fund SkildAI at $14B, nearly tripling its value

Reports indicate that SoftBank Group and Nvidia are negotiating a substantial investment exceeding $1 billion in Skild AI, which would elevate the company's valuation to an impressive $14 billion. This marks a significant increase from the startup's previous valuation of $4.7 billion, achieved just a few months ago in May during a funding round led by SoftBank, with contributions from prominent investors including LG Technology Ventures and Samsung. Skild AI, founded nearly three years ago, is focused on developing a foundational robotics model that is agnostic to hardware. Unlike many startups that create proprietary devices, Skild AI aims to offer a versatile model that can be tailored to suit various robotic applications. Their flagship product, Skild Brain, was introduced in July, with demonstrations showcasing its capabilities in performing tasks such as navigating stairs and handling dishes. The growing interest in AI-driven robotics is evident, with Skild AI forming strategic alliances with companies like LG CNS and Hewlett Packard Enterprise to enhance its ecosystem. Investor enthusiasm remains robust, highlighted by recent funding rounds in the sector. For instance, Physical Intelligence recently secured $600 million at a $5.6 billion valuation, although some investors have noted that its technology is still in the early stages of development. In a parallel trend, Figure, a company specializing in humanoid robotics, has raised over $1 billion, achieving a staggering $39 billion valuation. Similarly, 1X, another player in the humanoid space, is reportedly in discussions to acquire up to $1 billion at a valuation of $10 billion. These developments underscore the vibrant and competitive landscape of AI robotics investments.