SoftBank Group and Nvidia are reportedly in advanced talks to lead a new investment round of more than $1 billion in Skild AI at a valuation of about $14 billion, according to a Reuters report. The deal would almost triple the valuation of the fast-rising robotics software startup in just seven months.
Skild AI, founded nearly three years ago, was last valued at $4.7 billion in May after raising $500 million in a SoftBank-led round that included LG Technology Ventures, Samsung, Nvidia, and other investors, PitchBook data shows.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while SoftBank and Nvidia also declined to comment on the reported talks.
Building a “brain” for robots
Unlike robotics companies investing heavily in hardware development, Skild AI focuses exclusively on creating a robot-agnostic foundation model — a universal “brain” that can be adapted for dozens of robot types and use cases.
In July, the startup unveiled Skild Brain, its general-purpose robotics model, sharing demonstration videos showing robots performing tasks like picking up dishes and climbing stairs. Skild has since secured key strategic partners, including LG CNS and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, to further develop its ecosystem.
Investor appetite for robotics surges
Skild AI’s potential deal comes amid a wave of investor interest in next-generation robotics and AI-powered autonomy.
Physical Intelligence, another startup building AI “brains” for robots, reportedly raised $600 million at a $5.6 billion valuation in a round led by Capital G, though some investors say the company’s model remains early in development.
Humanoid robot developers have also been attracting massive capital. In September, Figure raised more than $1 billion at a striking $39 billion valuation, while rival 1X has reportedly been in talks to raise up to $1 billion at a $10 billion valuation.
If completed, the new funding would cement Skild AI as one of the leading players in the rapidly accelerating race to define the future of AI-driven robotics.
