Safe Superintelligence (SSI), the artificial intelligence startup co-founded by Ilya Sutskever, has recently secured an additional $2 billion in funding, elevating its valuation to an impressive $32 billion. This substantial investment round was led by Greenoaks, underscoring the growing confidence in SSI’s mission to develop safe and powerful AI systems.
Founding and Mission
Established in June 2024, SSI was founded by Ilya Sutskever, former chief scientist at OpenAI, alongside Daniel Gross, ex-head of AI at Apple, and Daniel Levy, a former OpenAI researcher. The company’s singular focus is on creating superintelligent AI that aligns with human values and safety protocols. Sutskever emphasized this commitment, stating, We will pursue safe superintelligence with a singular focus on one goal and one product.
Rapid Growth and Valuation Milestones
SSI’s trajectory has been marked by rapid growth and escalating valuations. In September 2024, the company raised $1 billion, achieving a valuation of $5 billion. By February 2025, reports indicated that SSI was in discussions to raise additional funds at a valuation of at least $20 billion. The latest funding round, culminating in a $32 billion valuation, reflects the escalating interest and investment in the AI sector, particularly in ventures led by esteemed figures like Sutskever.
Strategic Investments and Partnerships
SSI has attracted investments from major tech entities, including Alphabet and Nvidia. Alphabet’s cloud division has provided SSI with access to its proprietary Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), highlighting a strategic move to support AI startups with essential hardware resources. This partnership signifies a broader trend where tech giants are not only investing financially in AI startups but also offering critical infrastructure to foster AI advancements.
Operational Strategy and Future Outlook
Despite its substantial valuation, SSI has yet to release a commercial product or generate revenue. The company maintains a long-term vision, focusing on the safe development of superintelligent AI without succumbing to short-term commercial pressures. This approach differentiates SSI from other AI labs that may prioritize immediate product development and market competition.
The AI industry continues to witness significant investments and valuations, with companies like SSI leading the charge in developing advanced AI systems. As SSI progresses, the tech community and investors alike are keenly observing its developments, anticipating the impact of its work on the future of artificial intelligence.
