SoftBank Group and Nvidia are currently in high-level negotiations to lead a massive $1 billion funding round for Skild AI. If finalized, the deal would skyrocket the robotics software firm’s valuation to $14 billion, nearly tripling its previous market worth, according to a report by Reuters.
A Rapid Rise in Valuation
The startup, which has been in operation for less than three years, most recently secured a $4.7 billion valuation in May. That round saw $500 million in capital injected by a consortium led by SoftBank, with significant participation from Nvidia, Samsung, and LG Technology Ventures, as noted by PitchBook. While Skild AI has not issued a formal statement, both SoftBank and Nvidia have declined to comment on the ongoing discussions.
The “Brain” Behind the Robots
Skild AI distinguishes itself from competitors by eschewing proprietary hardware development. Instead, the company focuses exclusively on a robot-agnostic foundation model. This software-first approach allows its “Skild Brain” technology to be integrated and customized across diverse robotic platforms and industrial use cases.
In July, the company showcased the versatility of its technology through demonstrations of robots performing complex tasks, such as handling dishware and navigating staircases. To solidify its market presence, Skild has already established strategic partnerships with industry giants like Hewlett Packard Enterprise and LG CNS.
The Growing Appetite for AI Robotics
The potential investment reflects an aggressive trend in capital allocation toward AI-driven robotics. Investors are increasingly seeking companies capable of providing the “brains” for autonomous hardware. For instance, Physical Intelligence recently hit a $5.6 billion valuation after a $600 million funding round led by CapitalG, aiming to provide similar universal software models for robots.
The sector is witnessing record-breaking capital inflows. In September, humanoid robot manufacturer Figure secured over $1 billion, reaching a valuation of $39 billion. Simultaneously, 1X, another key player in the humanoid space, previously signaled intentions to raise up to $1 billion at a $10 billion valuation, underscoring the intense investor competition for dominance in the robotics software ecosystem.