SoftBank and Nvidia are reportedly negotiating a substantial funding round exceeding $1 billion for Skild AI, a robotics AI startup, which could nearly triple the company's valuation to approximately $14 billion. This potential investment marks a significant leap from Skild AI's $4.7 billion valuation earlier this year following its $500 million Series B round led by SoftBank and supported by Nvidia[1][2][3].
Skild AI’s Rapid Growth and Valuation Surge
Skild AI, founded in 2023 by former Meta AI researchers and backed by major investors including Amazon, SoftBank, Nvidia, LG’s venture arm, Samsung, and Lightspeed Venture Partners, specializes in foundational AI models for robots. The company does not manufacture hardware but develops universal software designed to serve as the “brain” for a wide range of robots, enabling them to perceive and make decisions in complex environments.
In July 2025, Skild AI unveiled its first general-purpose AI model capable of adapting to various tasks such as warehouse logistics and household chores. This innovation reflects a significant technological advancement, allowing robots to learn new skills with minimal or no retraining, a breakthrough made possible by Nvidia’s accelerated computing infrastructure[2][1].
Strategic Investments by SoftBank and Nvidia
SoftBank and Nvidia’s interest in leading the upcoming funding round underlines their confidence in Skild AI’s technology and market potential. SoftBank was reportedly impressed by Skild AI’s pilot project demonstrations, while Nvidia has been a key partner, providing the infrastructure that supports Skild AI’s development of cost-effective robots priced between $4,000 and $15,000, a stark contrast to traditional robots that typically cost over $250,000[1].
This investment aligns with broader industry trends as the U.S. government shows strong support for robotics development. Reports indicate that the U.S. Secretary of Commerce has been actively meeting with robotics CEOs, and the Trump administration is considering an executive order to accelerate innovation and deployment in this sector[1][2].
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
If completed before the end of 2025, the financing round will solidify Skild AI’s position as a leader in robotics AI, potentially reshaping the economics and capabilities of robotic systems globally. The company’s focus on AI-driven foundational models rather than hardware allows rapid scalability and application across diverse robotic platforms.
However, experts caution that despite these advances, achieving truly general-purpose robotics remains technically challenging and may require several more years before widespread adoption becomes feasible. The complexity of creating adaptable, intelligent robots that can operate reliably in unstructured environments still presents significant hurdles[1].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Skild AI, and what technology does it develop?
Skild AI is a startup specializing in foundational AI models for robots, creating software that enables robots to perceive, learn, and make decisions across various environments and tasks without building physical hardware.
How much funding is SoftBank and Nvidia planning to invest in Skild AI?
They are negotiating a funding round exceeding $1 billion, which could increase Skild AI’s valuation to about $14 billion.
How does Skild AI’s technology differ from traditional robotics?
Skild AI uses AI models trained on extensive datasets to enable robots to adapt and learn new skills quickly, significantly lowering the cost of robotic systems compared to traditional, hardware-heavy robots.
Why is the U.S. government interested in supporting robotics development?
The U.S. government aims to accelerate robotics innovation to maintain technological leadership, improve industrial efficiency, and support economic growth, potentially through executive orders and increased collaboration with industry leaders.
What challenges remain for general-purpose robotics?
Despite advances, creating robots that can operate autonomously and efficiently in diverse, unpredictable environments remains technically difficult and may take years to achieve widespread commercial success.
When is the funding deal expected to close?
The deal is expected to be finalized before Christmas 2025, although negotiations are ongoing and details may still change.
🔄 Updated: 12/8/2025, 10:50:28 PM
SoftBank and Nvidia are negotiating a $1 billion funding round in Skild AI that could nearly triple the startup's valuation to $14 billion, up from $4.7 billion in its Series B earlier this year[1][2][3]. This sizable investment signals an intensifying competition in the robotics AI sector, where Skild AI’s advanced foundational models—enabled by Nvidia’s accelerated computing—offer cost-effective robot training, producing robots priced between $4,000 and $15,000 versus traditional $250,000-plus systems[1]. The deal would strengthen SoftBank and Nvidia’s positions amid growing industry momentum driven by government support and rapid technological advancements[1].
🔄 Updated: 12/8/2025, 11:00:38 PM
SoftBank and NVIDIA are negotiating a $1 billion-plus funding round in Skild AI that could push the startup’s valuation to $14 billion, nearly tripling its $4.7 billion value from its Series B round earlier this year[1][2][3]. Technically, Skild AI’s breakthrough lies in its “Skild Brain” foundational model for robotics, which leverages NVIDIA’s accelerated computing infrastructure to enable robots to generalize across diverse environments and tasks with minimal retraining, drastically reducing robot costs to $4,000–$15,000 compared to traditional systems exceeding $250,000[1]. This advanced AI foundation suggests a significant leap towards scalable, adaptable robotics, though industry experts caution that truly universal robotic applications remain a
🔄 Updated: 12/8/2025, 11:10:36 PM
SoftBank Group and NVIDIA are in advanced talks to invest over $1 billion in Skild AI, a robotics AI developer, in a financing round that would nearly triple the startup's valuation to $14 billion from $4.7 billion achieved in its Series B round earlier this year[1][3]. The deal represents a major bet on the robotics industry as the Trump administration reportedly accelerates development in the sector, with Skild AI's technology enabling robots costing $4,000-$15,000—a dramatic reduction from traditional robotic systems requiring over $250,000 in investments[1]. Industry experts caution that widespread adoption of truly general robotic applications remains technically challenging an
🔄 Updated: 12/8/2025, 11:20:43 PM
SoftBank and Nvidia are in talks to lead a funding round exceeding $1 billion for Skild AI, potentially valuing the robotics AI startup at around $14 billion, nearly tripling its $4.7 billion valuation from earlier this year[1][2][3]. Skild AI, founded in 2023 by ex-Meta AI researchers, develops foundational AI models enabling human-like perception and decision-making in robots, with Nvidia providing key accelerated computing infrastructure for training its adaptable “Skild Brain” model[1][2]. This investment reflects growing industry momentum amid U.S. government efforts to accelerate robotics innovation[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 12/8/2025, 11:30:43 PM
SoftBank and Nvidia are negotiating a funding round exceeding $1 billion to elevate Skild AI's valuation to around $14 billion, nearly tripling its $4.7 billion worth from earlier this year[1][3]. Experts note that while Skild AI’s AI models teach robots human-like perception and decision-making, true general robotics remain a technical challenge that may take years for broad adoption[2]. Industry analysts view this investment as a strong signal of confidence in Skild’s potential to revolutionize robotics software using Nvidia’s accelerated computing infrastructure[2].
🔄 Updated: 12/8/2025, 11:40:41 PM
No specific regulatory or government response has been reported so far regarding SoftBank and Nvidia’s discussions on the $14 billion funding round for Skild AI. There are no concrete details or official quotes from regulators or government officials related to this investment deal available in the recent disclosures[1][3][6].
🔄 Updated: 12/8/2025, 11:50:43 PM
SoftBank and Nvidia are negotiating a funding round exceeding $1 billion that could nearly triple Skild AI's valuation from $4.7 billion in June to approximately $14 billion, significantly reshaping the competitive landscape in robotics AI[1][2]. This surge positions Skild AI as a dominant player by advancing foundational models that enable robots to perform diverse tasks at a fraction of traditional costs, challenging established robotics firms reliant on hardware-heavy solutions[1]. The investment signals intensified competition in general-purpose robotics AI, with Skild AI leveraging Nvidia's accelerated computing infrastructure to rapidly enhance robot adaptability and affordability[1].
🔄 Updated: 12/9/2025, 12:00:51 AM
SoftBank and Nvidia are in advanced talks to lead a $14 billion funding round for Skild AI, which would nearly triple the company’s valuation from $4.7 billion after its previous $500 million Series B raise. This significant investment underscores confidence in Skild AI’s robotics software platform, positioning it for rapid growth in the AI-driven automation sector[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 12/9/2025, 12:10:43 AM
There have been no public reports or concrete details on regulatory or government responses specifically related to the $14 billion funding round for Skild AI involving SoftBank and Nvidia. Regulatory scrutiny or government comments have not been disclosed amid these investment talks, which focus on advancing AI robotics technology. SoftBank’s broader AI investments, including this potential deal, come as the U.S. government recently passed a temporary funding bill extending federal operations until January 30, 2026, but no direct action targeting this financing has been noted[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 12/9/2025, 12:20:43 AM
There are no specific regulatory or government responses explicitly mentioned regarding the $14 billion funding round for Skild AI involving SoftBank and Nvidia. The reports focus on the investment details, valuations, and SoftBank’s strategic pivot towards AI, but do not cite any government interventions, approvals, or regulatory concerns related to this particular funding event[1][2][3].
🔄 Updated: 12/9/2025, 12:30:46 AM
SoftBank and Nvidia are negotiating a funding round exceeding $1 billion in Skild AI, potentially raising the robotics startup’s valuation to $14 billion—nearly triple its value earlier this year[1][2]. This aggressive investment signals intensified competition in the robotics AI space, as Skild AI leverages Nvidia’s accelerated computing to develop affordable robots priced between $4,000 and $15,000, a fraction of traditional systems costing over $250,000[1]. Industry experts caution that despite this surge, truly general robotic applications remain technically challenging and may require years for widespread adoption[1].
🔄 Updated: 12/9/2025, 12:40:44 AM
SoftBank and Nvidia are negotiating a funding round exceeding $1 billion for Skild AI, potentially raising the startup's valuation to around $14 billion—nearly tripling its $4.7 billion valuation from the $500 million Series B earlier this year[3]. Skild AI's technical breakthrough lies in its "Skild Brain," a full-body robot foundational model trained on Nvidia’s accelerated computing infrastructure, enabling adaptation to various robot forms and new skills with minimal retraining; this innovation has allowed robot costs to drop from over $250,000 to between $4,000 and $15,000[1]. While the funding could accelerate robotic AI deployment, experts caution that achieving truly general robotic applications remains a complex challenge requiring more development time[
🔄 Updated: 12/9/2025, 12:50:43 AM
SoftBank and Nvidia are reportedly in talks to lead a funding round exceeding $1 billion for Skild AI, potentially boosting its valuation to $14 billion—nearly triple its worth earlier this year[1][2]. Industry experts acknowledge Skild’s innovative use of NVIDIA’s accelerated computing to develop cost-effective full-body robot models, but caution that the widespread adoption of truly versatile robotics remains a complex, multi-year challenge[1]. An informed source highlighted SoftBank’s strong impression of Skild’s pilot project technology, signaling high confidence despite ongoing negotiation details[1].
🔄 Updated: 12/9/2025, 1:00:56 AM
SoftBank and Nvidia are negotiating a funding round exceeding $1 billion for Skild AI, which would elevate the startup’s valuation to approximately $14 billion—nearly triple its $4.7 billion valuation from the earlier $500 million Series B round this year[2][3]. Skild AI’s proprietary "Skild Brain" model, developed on Nvidia’s accelerated computing platform, enables low-cost robots ($4,000–$15,000) that can rapidly adapt to new forms and skills with minimal retraining, a significant technical advance over traditional robotics systems costing upwards of $250,000[1]. This funding aims to accelerate general robotics applications, though experts caution widespread adoption remains technically challenging and may require several years[1].
🔄 Updated: 12/9/2025, 1:10:42 AM
Consumer and public reaction to the reported $14 billion funding round for Skild AI, potentially led by SoftBank and Nvidia, is marked by both excitement and skepticism. Many in the tech community express optimism about Skild AI's rapid growth, noting the valuation nearly triples its worth from earlier this year, signaling strong market confidence; however, some analysts caution about the high price amid volatile AI sector valuations. Specific quotes remain limited publicly, but social media buzz highlights eagerness for Skild’s potential impact on AI innovation and real-world applications.