Takeaways by Saasverse AI
- Skild AI | New Funding Round | $1 Billion+ | Robotics AI Foundation Models
- SoftBank and Nvidia to lead, with prior backers LG Technology Ventures, Samsung Electronics, and others possibly participating.
- Valuation jumps nearly 3x to $14 billion; Skild AI aims to revolutionize robotic autonomy through customizable foundation models.
Skild AI, a cutting-edge robotics foundation model developer, is reportedly in advanced discussions with SoftBank and Nvidia to secure a fresh round of funding exceeding $1 billion. This investment would catapult Skild AI’s valuation from $4.7 billion just five months ago to a staggering $14 billion—nearly tripling its worth in less than half a year. The funding round is expected to attract existing investors, including LG Technology Ventures and Samsung Electronics, who participated in Skild AI’s $500 million raise earlier this year.
Founded in 2023 by former Meta AI researchers, Skild AI has rapidly positioned itself as a pioneer in the robotics AI domain. Unlike many robotics companies that focus on proprietary hardware, Skild AI has chosen a more scalable and transformative path by developing a robotics foundation model. Branded as a “robotic brain,” this technology can be adapted for a wide range of robotic types and use cases, from humanoid robots with human-like dexterity to quadrupedal robots designed for rugged terrains and factory-floor robotic arms.
The company’s flagship offering, the Skild Brain, debuted in July, showcasing its ability to enable robots to perform a diverse set of tasks, such as navigating stairs or handling delicate objects like cutlery. Skild AI has also forged strategic partnerships with industry heavyweights, including LG CNS and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, signaling its intent to integrate its foundation models into cloud and enterprise ecosystems.
SoftBank's interest in Skild AI aligns with CEO Masayoshi Son's well-documented enthusiasm for robotics. Earlier this year, SoftBank made headlines with its $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB’s robotics division, and Son has reportedly been impressed by Skild AI’s potential to overcome barriers in autonomous robotics deployment. Nvidia's involvement also underscores the growing synergy between advanced AI models and high-performance computational infrastructure, a space where Nvidia has solidified its dominance.
The robotics AI landscape is heating up, with Skild AI not alone in its pursuit of transforming robotic intelligence. Competitors such as Physical Intelligence, which recently raised $600 million at a $5.6 billion valuation, and Figure, valued at $39 billion after its latest funding round, are also making significant strides. Other players like Gecko Robotics, Genesis AI, and Field AI are vying for market share, while tech giants like Meta, Google, and Amazon continue to pour resources into robotics AI innovations.
“ The potential $14 billion valuation of Skild AI signals a broader market shift where investors are willing to bet big on foundational technologies that could redefine entire industries. Customizable robotic AI models represent a massive opportunity, especially as industries like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare increasingly turn to automation to address labor shortages and efficiency challenges. Skild AI’s focus on adaptability and its partnership-driven strategy position it as a strong contender in this burgeoning sector. ” Saasverse Analyst comments
Saasverse Insights
This deal, if finalized, could have far-reaching implications for the AI, SaaS, and Cloud ecosystems. Skild AI’s technology could serve as the cornerstone for a new wave of robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) solutions, unlocking SaaS-like scalability for robotic deployments. Additionally, its partnerships with cloud players like LG CNS and HPE suggest that robust cloud infrastructure will play a crucial role in enabling real-time updates and operational efficiencies for robots powered by Skild Brain. As the robotics AI market matures, we anticipate an acceleration in M&A activity, with foundational model developers becoming highly sought-after acquisition targets.