AI Startups: Record Fundraising Redefines Seed Funding

Seed Funding on the Rise

In the world of startups, early-stage companies are often associated with limited budgets and frugal management. However, the era of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping this image, attracting massive investments even for companies without operational history. Data from Crunchbase reveals that in the past six months, at least 12 startups have raised $100 million or more each, illustrating an unprecedented enthusiasm for AI.

Physical AI at the Center of Funding

A significant portion of this funding is focused on companies that integrate AI into the physical world. The largest recent beneficiary is Advanced Machine Intelligence, based in Paris, which raised $1.03 billion in March. This company develops AI models capable of learning from real-world sensor data to make predictions.

Unconventional AI, another notable startup, raised $475 million in December. Located in San Francisco, it specializes in developing energy-efficient silicon circuits that mimic biological neural dynamics. These circuits aim to improve the energy efficiency of AI systems.

Periodic Labs, also based in San Francisco, applies AI to science and experimentation. With $300 million in funding secured six months ago, this company seeks to automate the design of materials for sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing and electrical grid engineering.

In China, startups like Lingchu Intelligence and Humanoid Robot Innovation Center have also attracted significant funding. Lingchu Intelligence is developing an AI platform for creating robotic devices that simulate physical environments, while Humanoid Robot Innovation Center focuses on AI-based robotic technologies.

AI and Humans: A Promising Synergy

AI startups are not limited to physical applications. Merge Labs, co-founded by Sam Altman, raised $252 million through funding led by OpenAI. This San Francisco-based company explores brain-computer interfaces, seeking to integrate AI advancements into human interactions.

Humans&, another Silicon Valley startup, raised $480 million in January. This company focuses on developing AI models centered on people and their relationships, emphasizing the importance of human interactions in technological innovation.

A Transformation in Seed Funding

These massive fundraising efforts reflect a transformation in seed funding. While the majority of transactions remain below $5 million, funding rounds exceeding $10 million have significantly increased, rising from 2% of transactions in 2018 to 9% today.

Fundraising of over $100 million, once rare, is becoming increasingly common. Since the beginning of 2025, 27 transactions of this type have been announced globally. Although it is still too early to assess the profitability of these investments, they offer startups a unique opportunity to pursue ambitious projects without the usual budget constraints.