Microsoft and OpenAI Reportedly in Talks to Lead $500 Million Funding Round for Humanlike Robot Startup Figure AI

Microsoft Corp. and OpenAI are reportedly in discussions to spearhead a funding round of up to $500 million for Figure AI Inc., a startup specializing in the development of lifelike robots. The investment would see Microsoft potentially contributing around $95 million and OpenAI about $5 million, although these amounts are subject to change.

According to Bloomberg, this funding could result in Figure AI being valued at $1.9 billion pre-money, potentially propelling it to unicorn status. Figure AI's flagship creation, Figure 01, is an AI-powered humanoid robot which "brings together the dexterity of the human form and cutting edge AI to go beyond single-function robots and lend support across manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and retail." Last year, Figure raised $70 million in a funding round led by Parkway Venture Capital.