Prometheus, the physical AI startup founded by Jeff Bezos and Vik Bajaj, has raised $12 billion in fresh funding, valuing the company at $41 billion.
Investors in the round include:
- Jeff Bezos
- JPMorgan Chase
- Goldman Sachs
- BlackRock
The company had previously raised $6.2 billion when it launched late last year, according to CNBC.
Focus on an “artificial general engineer”
Prometheus is developing what it describes as an “artificial general engineer.”
The software is intended to automate the design and manufacturing of complex physical systems, including:
- Jet engines.
- Drug compounds.
The company’s goal is to apply AI to engineering work in the physical world.
Bezos sees productivity gains
Speaking to CNBC, Bezos said advances in AI could increase productivity and eventually create what he called “labor scarcity,” a situation in which demand for workers exceeds supply.
“Significant productivity in the economy is going to raise the standard of living,” Bezos said.
“People who today have two-earner households, they’ll become one-earner households. Maybe some people who are working overtime will stop working overtime.”
His comments contrast with predictions from some technology leaders who have warned that AI could lead to widespread job losses.
Company keeps details under wraps
Prometheus currently employs 150 people across offices in:
- San Francisco.
- London.
- Zurich.
The company has not disclosed details about the products it has already developed.
Bezos indicated that a substantial portion of the newly raised capital would be used to meet the company’s computing requirements.
Physical AI attracts investor attention
The latest funding round makes Prometheus one of the most highly valued AI startups.
The deal also reflects growing investor interest in physical AI, a segment focused on applying artificial intelligence to real-world systems and manufacturing processes.
According to the report, venture capital firms have increased investments in the sector in recent months, with proponents arguing that physical-world applications create stronger competitive barriers than software alone.
Bezos and Amazon
Bezos serves as executive chairman of Amazon and remains the company’s largest individual shareholder.
Amazon employs more than 1.5 million people worldwide.
Over the past year, the company, under Chief Executive Andy Jassy, has cut tens of thousands of jobs while accelerating automation efforts.
TL;DR
Prometheus, the AI startup co-founded by Jeff Bezos and Vik Bajaj, has raised $12 billion at a $41 billion valuation. The company is developing software designed to automate engineering and manufacturing tasks and plans to use much of the new funding for computing infrastructure.
AI summary
- Prometheus raised $12 billion at a $41 billion valuation.
- Investors include Bezos, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs and BlackRock.
- The startup aims to build an “artificial general engineer.”
- It currently employs 150 people across three cities.
- Much of the funding will support computing needs.
