Japan’s SoftBank Group and Nvidia are in discussions to invest over $1 billion in Skild AI, potentially valuing the robotics-focused AI startup at around $14 billion, according to sources and a term sheet reviewed by Reuters. The funding would nearly triple Skild’s valuation from the $4.7 billion it commanded in a $500 million Series B round earlier this year, which included Nvidia, LG’s venture capital arm, and Samsung, according to PitchBook data.
Founded in 2023 by former Meta AI researchers, Skild AI develops foundation models for robots, focusing on software that provides perception and decision-making capabilities similar to humans. Unlike many competitors, the company does not manufacture hardware, instead aiming to create AI “brains” that can adapt to multiple robot form factors and tasks, from warehouse logistics to household chores. The startup is backed by Amazon.com and Lightspeed Venture Partners, and raised $300 million in Series A funding at a $1.5 billion valuation, with investments from Jeff Bezos, SoftBank, and Khosla Ventures.
Investor Interest in Robotics Surges
The talks between SoftBank, Nvidia, and Skild highlight growing investor enthusiasm for humanoid robotics, fueled by AI advances that enable robots to perform increasingly complex tasks. SoftBank, under CEO Masayoshi Son, has pursued a broader robotics strategy, including its $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB’s robotics business in October.
SoftBank reportedly conducted pilot projects with Skild’s technology and was impressed by its capabilities. While the discussions are ongoing and details could change, the deal is expected to close before Christmas. Skild AI and SoftBank did not comment, and Nvidia declined to comment.
Experts caution, however, that general-purpose robotics remains technically challenging and widespread adoption could take years. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has emphasized accelerating robotics development, with potential federal support under consideration, signaling that the sector may receive additional policy momentum.
Skild AI’s Approach and Growth Trajectory
Skild AI’s first general-purpose AI model, unveiled in July, is designed to adapt to diverse environments and tasks without specialized programming. The company’s approach relies on vast datasets to train robots in perception, reasoning, and decision-making. By focusing exclusively on software, Skild aims to scale AI capabilities across multiple robot platforms more efficiently than companies tied to specific hardware.
The potential $1 billion investment from SoftBank and Nvidia would position Skild AI as one of the highest-valued startups in the humanoid robotics space, reflecting both market optimism and growing demand for AI-driven automation solutions in enterprise and consumer settings. This aligns with Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood’s view that humanoid robots could become the most transformative AI opportunity, potentially surpassing sectors like autonomous transport and healthcare.
