Eclipse Ventures has secured a new $1.3 billion fund to invest in startups developing physical artificial intelligence systems. The firm, which focuses on hardware and robotics, plans to allocate part of the capital toward incubating new companies rather than solely backing existing ones.
Managing partner Greg Reichow said the fund will target startups that combine AI software with mechanical systems to solve real-world problems. "We’re not just funding software. We’re building the next generation of machines," he told TechCrunch.
The firm’s previous fund, raised in 2023, backed companies like Formant, a robotics data platform, and Sila Nanotechnologies, which develops battery materials. Eclipse has now closed its fifth fund, bringing total assets under management to $3.2 billion.
Reichow emphasized the need for hardware-focused AI startups, noting that many AI advancements remain confined to digital applications. "The biggest gap is in the physical world," he said. "We need machines that can think and act in real time."
Eclipse will prioritize startups in industrial automation, autonomous systems, and energy-efficient computing, areas where AI integration is still emerging.
Source: techcrunch.com