Jeff Bezos' Prometheus Raises 862.9 Billion RUB for AGI in Physical World Development

Photo: TechCrunch
Quick answer
Prometheus, co-founded by Jeff Bezos and Vic Bajaj, has raised 862.9 billion RUB to develop an AI system that automates the design and production of physical objects.
Prometheus, a startup co-founded by Jeff Bezos and former Google executive Vic Bajaj, announced it has raised 862.9 billion RUB in its second funding round. The company’s valuation has reached 3 trillion RUB, making it one of the most valuable AI startups in history. Funding came from major investors, including JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and BlackRock, as well as a personal contribution from Bezos.
The goal of Prometheus is to develop an 'artificial general engineer'—an AI system capable of automating the design and production of complex physical objects. In the long term, the technology could be applied in aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and other industries requiring high-precision engineering. While the company has not disclosed technical details, a significant portion of the funds will reportedly go toward computational infrastructure.
Speaking to CNBC, Jeff Bezos emphasized that adopting such technologies will drive productivity growth and improve living standards. He argued that AI will not replace jobs but instead create a shortage of skilled labor, as demand for expertise will outpace supply. This perspective contrasts with predictions from other tech leaders who foresee mass layoffs due to automation.
Prometheus is not the only player in the physical AI space, but it stands out as one of the most ambitious. Investors see this niche as a potential source of sustainable competitive advantages, as working with physical systems requires unique technological solutions that are difficult to replicate. The company currently employs around 150 people across offices in San Francisco, London, and Zurich.
Common questions
- What is Prometheus, and who are its founders?
- Prometheus is a startup developing AI to automate engineering tasks in the physical world. Its co-founders are Jeff Bezos and Vic Bajaj, former co-founder of Verily (Google’s life sciences division).
- What problem does the 'artificial general engineer' solve?
- This technology aims to automate the design and production of complex physical systems, such as aircraft engines or pharmaceutical compounds, reducing manual engineering labor and accelerating innovation.
- Why does Bezos believe AI won’t lead to mass layoffs?
- Bezos argues that productivity gains from AI will drive demand for skilled labor, creating a shortage rather than eliminating jobs. He predicts a future where families can rely on a single income source.
- Which companies invested in Prometheus?
- Investors in this funding round included JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, and Jeff Bezos himself. The total investment amounted to 862.9 billion RUB, with the startup valued at 3 trillion RUB.
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