AI Startup Figure Secures $675 Million from Microsoft and Jeff Bezos

The AI firm Figure has raised approximately $675 million, with a preliminary valuation of $2 billion, according to Bloomberg, citing sources.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos invested $100 million through his company Explore Investments. Microsoft contributed $95 million, Nvidia and an Amazon-affiliated fund each provided $50 million, Intel $25 million, LG $8.5 million, Samsung $5 million, and OpenAI $5 million.

Other investors include venture firms Parkway Venture Capital ($100 million), Align Ventures ($90 million), and Aliya Capital Partners ($20 million), as well as Tamarack ($27 million), Boscolo Intervest ($15 million), BOLD Capital Partners ($2.5 million), and ARK ($2.5 million).

The company is developing the humanoid robot Figure 01, designed to perform hazardous tasks in place of humans and address labor shortages.

Meet Figure 01 pic.twitter.com/mQa2b59Vju

— Figure (@Figure_robot) October 18, 2023

The funding round began with Microsoft and OpenAI as lead investors. Their support helped attract funds from other major companies. Initially, Figure sought $500 million.

In May 2023, the AI startup raised $70 million, with a valuation of $400 million.

Back in December, Tesla developed a new prototype of the humanoid robot Tesla Optimus, which is lighter and faster than previous versions.

In January 2024, the AI and robotics-focused company 1X secured $100 million. The project’s main product is androids that “serve society and meet global labor demand.”