Google Launches AI Futures Fund to Boost AI Startup Ecosystem

Google launches new initiative to back startups building AI | TechCrunch

On Monday, Google announced the launch of its AI Futures Fund, a new initiative that seeks to invest in startups that are building with the latest AI tools from Google DeepMind, the company's AI R&D lab. The fund will back startups from seed to late stage and will offer varying degrees of support, including allowing founders to have early access to Google AI models from DeepMind, the ability to work with Google experts from DeepMind and Google Labs, and Google Cloud credits. Some startups will also have the opportunity to receive direct investment from Google. "The AI Futures Fund doesn't follow a batch or cohort model," a Google spokesperson told TechCrunch. "Instead, we consider opportunities on a rolling basis -- there's no fixed application window or deadline. When we come across companies that align with the fund's thesis, we may choose to invest. We're not announcing a specific fund size at this time, and check sizes vary based on the company's stage and needs -- typically early to mid-stage, with flexibility for later-stage opportunities as well." AI Futures Fund already has some case studies. Startups such as the meme-making platform Viggle and the webtoon app Toonsutra participated in the program. Startups can apply here starting May 12. Google has been making big commitments over the past few months to support the next generation of AI talent and scientific breakthroughs. Last November, Google.org, the company's charitable wing, announced a $20 million cash commitment to researchers and scientists working in AI. Before that, in September, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced the company was creating a $120 million Global AI Opportunity fund to help bring AI education and training to more places across the world. Google.org also launched a $20 million generative AI accelerator program to cut checks to nonprofits developing AI tech. Google also has its Google for Startups Founders Funds, which supports founders from an array of industries and backgrounds building companies, including AI companies. A spokesperson told TechCrunch in February that this year, the fund would start investing in AI-focused startups in the U.S., with more information to come at a later date.

Google launches AI startup fund offering access to new models and tools

Through a fund it calls the "AI Futures Fund," eligible startups will get Google investment, early access to AI models, and hands-on support from Google researchers, engineers and go-to-market specialists, the company said in a blog post on Monday. They will also get credits to use on Google Cloud. "Select startups get the opportunity to seek direct investment from Google to fuel growth and scale AI development," the blog post states. The fund comes as the company tries to get more exposure to the latest AI companies and trends. It also comes as hot AI startups seek alternate funding as the IPO market remains mostly dry amid economic woes.

Google's new AI Futures Fund turns on the tap for startup founders - SiliconANGLE

Google's new AI Futures Fund turns on the tap for startup founders Google LLC has announced a new initiative that aims to invest in hot artificial intelligence startups. It's called the AI Futures Fund, and it will back startups ranging from seed to late stage, with various degrees of support on offer. For instance, some startups will receive direct investment from Google, while others will get access to the company's Gemini AI models. There's also hands-on support from Google's expert researchers, engineers and go-to-market specialists, and some startups will receive credits for Google Cloud, too. In a statement to TechCrunch, Google explained that the AI Futures Fund is different from similar initiatives in that there's no batch or cohort model. Rather, it will consider its investments on a rolling basis. By that, it means that if it comes across a startup that aligns with the funds' thesis, it can choose to back it. "We're not announcing a specific fund size at this time, and check sizes vary based on the company's stage and needs -- typically early to mid-stage, with flexibility for later-stage opportunities as well," a Google spokesperson said. Google said it has already backed 12 startups through the program, with some of the notable ones including the Indian digital comic startup Toonsutra Inc., which uses Gemini's translation capabilities to make its cartoons more accessible. Another is Viggle, an AI video meme creation platform, and Things.Inc., the creator of an application called Rooms that allows users to create, share and play in interactive 3D spaces. The fund is just the latest Google initiative aimed at backing AI startups and entrepreneurs. In November, the company's charitable wing Google.org announced a $20 million cash grant to researchers and scientists working on AI projects. That followed the launch of a $120 million Global AI Opportunity fund announced by Chief Executive Sundari Pichai in September, which aims to support AI education and training programs around the world. Last year, Google.org created a $20 million generative AI accelerator program specifically to support nonprofit organizations' AI initiatives. Separately, Google also operates the Google for Startups Founders Fund, which supports startups across an array of industries, including many that are focused on AI technologies. With the AI Futures Fund, Google is looking to increase its exposure to AI startups and trends, so it can explore the most promising new technologies itself and, with any luck, get more cloud customers. The launch of the fund is timely, as AI startups are increasingly seeking alternative funding sources due to an economic climate that's unfavorable for initial public offerings. Google's rivals Amazon Web Services Inc. and Microsoft Corp. have also backed numerous AI startups with hefty investments and other support. Google is also the main backer of one of OpenAI's biggest rivals, Anthropic PBC, having invested $1 billion in the company in January, adding to an earlier investment of $2 billion. It's said Google owns a 10% stake in Anthropic, which is a major Google Cloud customer.

Google Launches AI Futures Fund to Support Next Wave of AI Startups | AIM

in addition, Google has also launched a three-month accelerator program for startups in India. Google announced a new initiative, AI Futures Fund, to support startups using its advanced AI tools. The fund will invest in early and late-stage startups built with technology from Google DeepMind, the company's AI research division. Startups selected in the fund will receive early access to Google DeepMind's AI models, including Gemini for language, Imagen for image generation, and Veo for video creation. They will collaborate directly with Google experts across research, engineering, product, and go-to-market teams. The programme also provides Google Cloud credits and technical support, along with the potential for equity investment from Google. According to Google, current participants include Toonsutra, which is using Gemini to translate digital comics across Indian languages; Viggle, which is developing AI-generated memes and videos using Gemini, Imagen, and Veo; and Rooms, which is building interactive 3D content with Gemini. While there's no set application deadline, the fund is open to startups in regions where Gemini is available. Alternatively, Google has launched a three-month, equity-free accelerator program for startups in India, supported by MeitY Startup Hub. The program helps startups scale using Google's products and expertise. Open to Seed to Series A funded startups, it offers mentoring, up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, and access to technical resources. Startups will tackle technical challenges, with support in areas like product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development. The program includes both remote and in-person learning, plus exclusive Google bootcamps and tools. Eligible startups must have scalable products, ideally leveraging AI or machine learning, and commit their CEO or CTO to participate. Applications can be accessed here. Last year, Google committed $20 million through Google.org to support AI researchers and launched a $120 million Global AI Opportunity fund to expand AI education. It also introduced a $20 million accelerator for nonprofits working with generative AI. Google's support for startups continues through its Google for Startups Founders Fund.

Google now scouting for AI innovators with its rolling AI Futures Fund

Google announced the launch of its AI Futures Fund on Monday, a new initiative to invest in startups building with the latest AI tools from Google DeepMind, the company's AI R&D lab. The fund will back startups from seed to late stage, offering varying degrees of support. This includes early access to Google AI models from DeepMind, the ability to work with Google experts from DeepMind and Google Labs, and Google Cloud credits. Some startups will also have the opportunity to receive direct investment from Google. "The AI Futures Fund doesn't follow a batch or cohort model," a Google spokesperson told TechCrunch. "Instead, we consider opportunities on a rolling basis -- there's no fixed application window or deadline. When we come across companies that align with the fund's thesis, we may choose to invest. We're not announcing a specific fund size at this time, and check sizes vary based on the company's stage and needs -- typically early to mid-stage, with flexibility for later-stage opportunities as well." The AI Futures Fund already has some case studies, including the meme-making platform Viggle and the webtoon app Toonsutra, which participated in the program. Startups can apply starting May 12. What to expect from Google I/O 2025 in a nutshell This initiative is part of Google's broader efforts to support the next generation of AI talent and scientific breakthroughs. Last November, Google.org announced a $20 million cash commitment to researchers and scientists working in AI. In September, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced a $120 million Global AI Opportunity fund to bring AI education and training to more places worldwide. Google.org also launched a $20 million generative AI accelerator program to support nonprofits developing AI tech. Additionally, Google has its Google for Startups Founders Funds, which supports founders from various industries and backgrounds, including AI companies.