SoftBank and Nvidia Eye Major Investment in Skild AI, Valuing Startup at $14 Billion
In a significant move within the artificial intelligence and robotics sectors, SoftBank Group and Nvidia are reportedly in discussions to invest over $1 billion in Skild AI, a burgeoning startup specializing in foundational models for robotics. This investment would elevate Skild AI’s valuation to approximately $14 billion, nearly tripling its previous valuation of $4.7 billion from a Series B funding round earlier this year.
Skild AI’s Rapid Ascent
Founded in 2023 by former Meta AI researchers, Skild AI has quickly positioned itself as a leader in developing universal software designed to serve as the cognitive core for various robotic applications. Unlike many competitors that focus on hardware, Skild AI concentrates on creating adaptable, robot-agnostic foundation models. These models aim to imbue robots with human-like perception and decision-making capabilities, enabling them to perform a diverse array of tasks across different environments.
In July 2025, the company unveiled its first general-purpose AI model, demonstrating its versatility in tasks ranging from industrial logistics to household chores. This innovation underscores Skild AI’s commitment to overcoming longstanding challenges in deploying general-purpose robots in both industrial and domestic settings.
Strategic Investments and Partnerships
The anticipated investment from SoftBank and Nvidia is not the first instance of these tech giants recognizing Skild AI’s potential. Earlier this year, during the Series B funding round, both companies participated alongside LG’s venture capital arm and Samsung, contributing to the $500 million raised at that time. This continued interest highlights the growing confidence in Skild AI’s technology and its potential to revolutionize the robotics industry.
SoftBank’s involvement aligns with its broader strategy to expand its footprint in the robotics sector. In October, SoftBank acquired ABB’s robotics division for $5.4 billion, signaling a strong commitment to advancing robotic technologies. The potential investment in Skild AI further solidifies SoftBank’s position as a key player in the development and deployment of intelligent robotic systems.
Nvidia’s interest in Skild AI complements its focus on AI and machine learning technologies. By investing in companies that develop foundational AI models, Nvidia aims to enhance the capabilities of its hardware platforms, ensuring they remain at the forefront of AI-driven applications.
The Broader Context of AI in Robotics
The discussions surrounding Skild AI’s funding come at a time of heightened interest in humanoid robotics. Advancements in artificial intelligence have brought the concept of general-purpose robots closer to reality. However, experts caution that creating truly versatile robots capable of performing a wide range of tasks remains a complex challenge, with widespread adoption still years away.
Skild AI’s approach to developing universal software for robots addresses a critical bottleneck in the industry: the need for adaptable and intelligent control systems that can be applied across various robotic platforms. By focusing on software rather than hardware, Skild AI aims to provide a scalable solution that can accelerate the deployment of general-purpose robots in diverse settings.
Implications for the Future
If the investment materializes, it would not only provide Skild AI with substantial resources to further develop its technology but also signal strong market confidence in the viability of AI-driven robotics solutions. The influx of capital could expedite the refinement and commercialization of Skild AI’s models, potentially leading to more widespread adoption of intelligent robots in industries ranging from manufacturing to domestic services.
Moreover, the collaboration between Skild AI, SoftBank, and Nvidia exemplifies the growing synergy between software innovators and hardware giants in the AI ecosystem. Such partnerships are likely to drive significant advancements in the field, paving the way for more sophisticated and capable robotic systems in the near future.
Conclusion
The reported discussions between SoftBank, Nvidia, and Skild AI underscore the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and robotics. As companies continue to invest heavily in these technologies, the prospect of intelligent, general-purpose robots becomes increasingly tangible. Skild AI’s innovative approach to developing foundational AI models positions it as a pivotal player in this transformative era, with the potential to reshape how robots are integrated into various aspects of daily life and industry.
