Genesis AI in Talks to Raise $500M for Robot Brains
A year after its $105m seed, the physical-AI startup is reportedly seeking a massive injection of capital, aiming for a valuation of around $3bn. The discussions, as reported by Bloomberg, may not materialize.
(July 24, 2026 – 8:19 am)
Image: Genesis AI
According to Bloomberg, Genesis AI is in advanced talks to secure approximately $500m in funding. This round would valorize the company at a substantial $3bn, marking a remarkable ascent for a startup that went stealth last summer.
The details, as revealed by Bloomberg, suggest Premji Invest as the leading investor, with HSG (formerly Sequoia China) and Northzone also considering significant investments.
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A Pre-Money Valuation
The reported $3bn valuation is pre-money. While the investor lineup remains unconfirmed, the discussion could still evolve.
Genesis AI offers software solutions rather than steel. Its universal robotics model, GENE-26.5, functions as a shared brain for various machines, leveraging synthetic data from an in-house physics engine that simulates scenarios at speeds unprecedented in real time.
Competing with Skild AI and Physical Intelligence
The startup distinguishes itself through openness, intending to open-source parts of its simulation stack. Genesis aims to bridge the "embodiment gap" between human movement data and robotic reproduction by developing both the model and dexterous, humanoid-like hands.
Their $300 sensor glove is a pivotal component in this plan.
Following in Humanoid and Standard Bots’ Footsteps
Should the round close, Genesis AI would join a string of robotics startups securing substantial funding. London’s Humanoid secured $152m in Series A funding, while Standard Bots reached a $1bn valuation on a $200m round.
Investors bet on general-purpose robots as the next frontier after chatbots, justifying their investments accordingly.
From Stealth to a Massive Round
Genesis AI emerged from stealth in July 2025 with a $105m seed round co-led by Eclipse Ventures and Khosla Ventures, among the year’s largest seeds. Notable backers include former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, French billionaire Xavier Niel, Bpifrance, and HSG (the latter also circling the new round).